From deadly fires to town floods, Assistant Manager Public Safety Mr Tom Watkins was there for our town.
Early this morning, he passed away at La Verna Hospital after a massive heart attack. Mr Watkins had been admitted to hospital suffering from double pneumonia recently and his condition progressively worsened.
With close to 40 years’ service in Public Safety, he served Ladysmith well.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues. He is survived by his wife Amanda, sons Adam and Bertus, and daughter Sunette.
Our town has lost a true hero, a man who always put others first.
He was former Public Safety Chief Koos Breedt’s right-hand man. “I worked with him for 35 years. He was a good man, dependable, someone you could rely on,” said Mr Breedt. “It is a sad day for Public Safety, as he will be sorely missed.”
“I extend my condolences to his family, wife Amanda and his three children,” added a deeply saddened Mr Breedt.
At the time of publishing, the municipality was unable to furnish any details of Mr Watkins’ illustrious career.
We will update this story as soon as we know more.
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