Firefighters Jim Shears and Alan Bannon Remembered 11 Years On
Firefighters across Hampshire paused for a solemn minute of silence at 11am today to honour Alan Bannon and Jim Shears, who tragically died 11 years ago while risking their lives to save others.
Tragic Blaze at Shirley Tower Block
On April 6, 2010, firefighters rushed to a devastating fire at the Shirley tower block. No one anticipated the heartbreaking outcome. James ‘Jim’ Shears, 35, and Alan Bannon, 38, lost their lives battling the blaze.
The tragedy sent shockwaves through the nation. It sparked changes to fire safety laws nationally, aiming to protect future firefighters. Yet, many still see their deaths as a sacrifice that should never have happened.
Widow Carla Shears Opens Up on Grief and Healing
Carla Shears, widow of Jim, has shared her long journey towards healing. “Everything was just crazy, and I don’t really remember much of it,” she recalls. At Alan’s funeral, a fellow wife suggested she try running again as a way to cope. Carla was hesitant but took the advice.
Just weeks before Jim’s death, Carla had completed her first marathon. After the tragedy, running became her lifeline. “Along with my friends and family, running saved me and saved my sanity. It became my coping mechanism when everything felt like it was falling apart,” she says.
Support from Firefighters Charity and Annual Memorials
Carla and her two sons, Frankie and Ruben, found solace thanks to the Firefighters Charity’s Harcombe House in Devon. “The boys were four and five when their dad died. It’s hard to remember the first visit because everything was a whirlwind, but I do remember them being happy. That helped a lot,” Carla says.
Since then, the family has made annual trips to Harcombe House, a place of peace and reflection. Carla also organises fundraising runs in Jim’s name, including the New Forest Half Marathon, where “Team Jim” runs in his memory. “Seeing his name everywhere is emotional,” she says. “Now I can talk about him. I like talking about him.”
Remembering Jim: Firefighter, Dad, Hero
Jim and Carla met at university in Reading in 1995. Jim had ambitions of becoming a firefighter and eventually joined Hampshire Fire Service after a failed attempt with Dorset. Carla says, “Not many things gave me comfort early on, but knowing he died doing what he loved was one of them.”
Jim was a hands-on dad who balanced work with family life. He loved judo, school trips, and fire safety talks. Carla reflects, “He never brought his work home. With us, he was just Jim—the devoted dad and family man.”
A Legacy That Lives On
Carla struggled deeply in the years after Jim’s death, especially leading up to the inquest. “When it was over, it was a turning point. I could piece together what happened and begin to move forward. Running saved me during that time,” she explains.
She has raised tens of thousands for the Firefighters Charity, supporting those in the fire service. With the 11th anniversary upon us, Carla hopes, “I hope he is proud of me. I like to think he is.”
Jim Shears and Alan Bannon’s sacrifice remains etched in the hearts of firefighters everywhere. Their heroic story is a lasting reminder of the risks our fire crews face daily.
You will never be forgotten, Jim and Alan. Keep watching over our earthly heroes as you both fly high.
