Firefighter Chris Peacock with his daughter Stacey and wife Tina

by Lynn Cox

A-long serving firefighter has died after collapsing in the gym at the station where he worked.

Chris Peacock was found by his colleagues at Thames-side fire station, in Gravesend.

The 51-year-old, who lived with his family in Leybourne Close, Walderslade, had been a firefighter for more than 20 years.

He had gone to the gym to work out on Sunday morning before he was discovered collapsed.

Despite an ambulance being called immediately, watch manager Chris could not be revived.

He was happily married to Tina and had two children, Stacey, 25, and 23-year-old James.

Firefighter Chris Peacock with his son James

Tina, 50, revealed her husband told her he loved her when he left for the gym.

She said: "As he left he said, 'I love you babe'."

Tina said Chris could turn his hand to anything and would be the best at whatever he did.

She added: "He loved fishing, golf, football, cooking martial arts and was even learning Japanese - we had it all."

Chris's family said he was "the life and soul of the party", had a wicked sense of humour and was very proud to be a firefighter, dad and a husband.

His colleagues at Kent Fire and Rescue Service have also been paying tribute to him.

During his 21 years in the service, Chris held positions at Folkestone and the KFRS training centre in Maidstone, but spent the majority of his time at Thames-side fire station where he was a watch manager.

Firefighter Chris Peacock collapsed in the gym at Thames-side station

Crew manager Lee Murphy said: "He was a larger than life character who had a positive influence on many people.

"He was our watch manager and in that time, he was always a joy to work with and became a close personal friend to us all.

"He will be sorely missed by all he knew in the service, but especially by us as a watch, and our thoughts go out to his family and friends."

KFRS chief executive Ann Millington said: "Obviously this is shocking news and our thoughts are with Chris's family and close colleagues who are still trying to come to terms with the loss.

"We met with Chris's family on Sunday morning, and have offered them every support at this time."

A book of condolence has been set up for KFRS staff to leave a message and his colleagues have been offered support and counselling.

Did you know Chris Peacock? Leave your tributes below.