TRIBUTES have been paid to a former firefighter who has died.

Former colleagues and friends paid tribute to Stu Crebbin after a Facebook post from Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.

In the post, they said: “It is with great sadness that Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service announce the tragic and untimely death of one of our senior Commanders following his brave fight against cancer.

“Thoughts are with his family who we will remain in close contact with, and observe their wishes, during this difficult time.”

A number of former colleagues paid tribute to their friend, with one saying: “An absolute gent, and a fine officer.

“He helped me out personally with my studies for which I’ve always been grateful.

“My condolences to his family, and so sad so soon after his recent promotion. Stand Easy.”

Another said: “I’m gutted and truly saddened, he was a great officer.

“I worked very closely with him for a few months and his enthusiasm, work ethic and individualism was top class, so much so that he was ‘head hunted’ by a central government dept. for a project.

“Deepest sympathies to his family, friends and loved ones. RIP.”

In 2020, Mr Crebbin took part in a charity walk in Wales for the Firefighters Charity.

This was following his cancer diagnosis and his experience of PTSD, which he spoke candidly about.

He and his colleagues raised more than £11,000 for the charity while walking the ten peaks of the Brecon Beacons.

The challenge took place on August 10 and he supported the team at checkpoints and ferrying equipment as they cover ed89 kilometres and ascended 4,800 metres to climb 10 peaks over a 24-hour period.

“This is a fantastic charity which is helping me and many others get through some extremely difficult times,” he said at the time.