The widow of a firefighter has been presented with new service medals after her husband's were stolen by burglars.
The replacement medals were presented to Linda Heath, who was married to former County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) Sub Officer Ian Heath.
She was left heartbroken earlier this year when the sentimental medals awarded to her her husband were stolen from the family home.
When CDDFRS heard about the theft, they organised for the medals to be replaced and Chief Fire Officer Stuart Errington presented them to Linda and the family earlier this week at Seaham fire station.
Ian Heath started his career with CDDFRS in 1979 as a firefighter and retired as a Sub Officer in 2003 after more than 20 years in service.
Mr Heath died recently but his passion for the service runs deep in the family with his brother Chris, now retired, son Craig and son-in-law Lee, serving as on call crew managers and grandson Dylan is now a fire cadet at Seaham fire station.
During the burglary at the family home, the thieves took many possessions including Mr Heath’s service medals, which were of great sentimental value to Mrs Heath and the rest of the family.
Chief Fire Officer Stuart Errington said: "A fire service career is unlike any other, you really do become part of a big extended family which becomes a way of life.
"We value every member of our fire family, past and present and were absolutely devastated for the Heath family when we found out Ian’s medals had been stolen.
"We know the new medals will never be able to replace the originals, but hopefully they can provide some comfort to Mrs Heath and the rest of the family."
