A town came to a halt to salute a local hero. Swinton was filled with mourners wishing to pay their respects to a man who served his country and his community.
The parish church of St Peter Apostle and Martyr was full for the funeral of 'popular and respected' firefighter and ex-Royal Marine, Daniel Lee. A watch manager at Agecroft Station, the 41-year-old's body was found in the River Irwell last month.
More than 100 firefighters provided an immaculate guard of honour as his coffin arrived, bedecked in the union flag atop a aerial fire appliance. Members of his former army regiment were also present.
Next to his coffin was a white floral tribute of "Daddy" from his children. Firefighters from throughout the country have responded to a fundraising appeal for his family and by this afternoon more than £21,000 had been donated.
Paying tribute to Dan during the service, Chief Fire Officer Dave Russel said: “Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service is a family. Dan will always remain part of our family. He will be greatly missed by everyone and the thoughts of everyone across the Service remain with his family.”
CFO Russel described Dan as “strong, disciplined, a quick learner, practically minded, a great team player – with a big heart.” He said he was a “natural fit for the role of a firefighter and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service was very lucky to have Dan.”
The CFO went on to say that Dan was known for his sense of humour and "cheeky side", adding that he was “good spirited, good hearted and brought fun and laughter, to wherever he worked, and whoever he worked with.”
Daniel leaves behind his devastated fiancée Simone and two children and two step-children. The 'valued' firefighter, known as Dan to his colleagues, had served in the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) for 16 years. Before this, he served his country as a Royal Marine Commando. Tributes from colleagues and friends have flooded in for him since the news of his death.
Dan went missing in the early hours of Monday August 22 in Manchester city centre following a night out with colleagues from the fire service. Emergency services carried out extensive searches throughout the week, and his body was found in the River Irwell three days later.
Flowers cards and photographs were placed outside the Agecroft fire station in Salford where Daniel was based. One card at the station, from the Stretford red watch team, said: "It is with a heavy heart we write this card. You will be sorely missed by all that knew you. Our deepest sympathies go to your family and friends. You were a great person and will be a huge loss to this world. May you rest in peace."
After serving his country as a Royal Marine Commando, Dan joined Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service in 2006. Initially starting at Eccles Fire Station, Dan then moved to serve his local community of Salford at Agecroft Fire Station as a Watch Manager.
In a tribute on a fundraising page a colleague said: "His family, friends and colleagues are shocked and saddened by his tragic passing and he will be greatly missed by all. Dan leaves behind his fiancée Simone and four children. His friends and colleagues have set up this page to raise funds to support his family at this difficult time, and any support you can provide would be greatly appreciated."
Poignantly his daughter had her sixth birthday without her dad, on the day before his body was found. During the service tributes were also paid to Dan by, a member of his watch, his father, his fianceé and ex-partner.
The hymns were The Lord is My Shepherd, Abide With Me, and How Great Thou Art. The Royal Marine’s Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer were read and the Last Post was played at the end of the service.
