Tributes have been pouring in for the former City of Cape Town Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson, Theo Layne who passed away over the weekend at the age of 55.
According to reports, Layne died following a battle with cancer after he was diagnosed with a terminal lung condition in 2019.
The City’s Mayco Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith described Layne as exceptionally dedicated and a pioneer in the fire service.
“He was an exceptional firefighter and a great man, whose face and voice was familiar to many as the first spokesperson of the Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service,” Smith expressed.
Smith went on to say that Layne joined the fire service in 1987, where he was the first media liaison officer of the service and was stationed at the Goodwood fire station.
“He was also stationed at various fire departments throughout his career which spanned 30 years. He was a station commander until he was medically boarded in 2019,” Smith said.
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Working on Fire (WOF) also paid tribute to the late Layne with whom they have worked closely over the years.
“Our WOF Communications Department worked closely with Theo over the past few years, especially reporting on major fires, such as the Table Mountain Fires in March 2015.
“Theo was an astute and professional communicator, who successfully made the transition from a decorated firefighter and a commander to becoming a seasoned spokesperson for the Fire and Rescue Services in Cape Town,” WOF said.
From everyone at Cape{town} Etc, we extend our condolences to Layne’s wife and two sons.
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Picture: WOF/Twitter