It is with great sadness that the Fire Protection Association announces the sudden death of our colleague David Poxon.
David died suddenly on 22nd April 2020 after a short battle with cancer.
David worked at the Fire Protection Association in both technical and management capacities on several occasions. His most recent return was in 2016 when he agreed to become Practice Principal Consultant responsible for assisting FPA clients with complex and varied fire safety projects, as part of the newly formed Professional Practice. In addition to this role he also assumed the roles of FPA’s Quality Manager, RISCAuthority Manager and RISCAuthority Passive Working Group Convenor.
Highly respected, David sat on several BSI committees, he was a member of the IFE, a member of the IFSM and was listed on their Nationally Accredited Fire Risk Assessor Register.
David started his career in the fire and rescue service serving in Zimbabwe and South Africa progressing to the rank of Deputy Chief Fire Officer of Amanzimtoti Fire Brigade. After a brief stint in the power generation and petrochemical industries, David Joined the Fire Protection Association of Southern Africa where he served in training, technical and managerial roles before being appointed as General Manager.
Jonathan O’Neill, the Fire Protection Association’s managing director said:
“David’s sudden death is a huge loss to both his family and to the FPA; he was one of our most experienced technical assets and a great manager, mentor and friend to staff and associates. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and to his many friends.”
Dr Jim Glockling, Director of RISC Authority said:
“What David achieved at the South African FPA was incredible. With very little funding behind him he assembled a dedicated work force – and the demonstration lab was a thing to behold – absolutely first rate. Most of the equipment donated was
I’m sure ‘because it was David asking’ and people liked him – as he was an incredibly decent human being. We will miss him terribly.”
A condolence book has been published on the FPA website and we invite everyone who knew and respected David to share their memories of him at www.tolbc.com/DavidPoxon
The FPA will publish a full tribute to David in our Fire and Risk Management Journal and organise a suitable memorial as and when the change in the current COVID-19 situation allows.
For more information, go to www.thefpa.co.uk
