AN on-call firefighter who gave more than 20 years of his life to protecting local communities has been recognised for his service.
Glyn Chen was presented with a ceremonial axe by Chief Fire Officer Rob Barber to mark his retirement at a ceremony at Chase Terrace Community Fire Station.
Colleagues he has worked with over the years also attended the celebration event.
Glyn joined Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service in 2000 as an on-call firefighter before he relocated to Chase Terrace ten years later.
He said:
“When I applied to be an on-call firefighter, I was working with my brother dealing with the importing and exporting of engine components, then helping my sister at the weekends in her fish and chip shop.
“Luckily for me, the role of an on-call firefighter is quite flexible I was able to fit my on-call hours in between my other jobs and commitments.
“My daughters were fairly young when I first joined the service, so I had to really consider what hours I gave to being on-call as well as juggling three jobs. Being an on-call firefighter was not only a big commitment for me, but also for my family as well.
“Fortunately, they were really understanding and supportive which made things easier to manage.”
Glyn said the on-call role meant special occasions and events could sometimes have to be missed.
“I remember one time we were having a BBQ and just as we were about to eat, my alerter went off and I had to leave and go to the station.
“There have also been many times where I’ve been called out in the middle of the night, but no matter when you’re called you never know what incident you’ll be attending and no two jobs are ever the same.
“The job is so varied and that’s what makes it so satisfying.
“Most of the crews I’ve worked with work in different trades so they’re able to bring transferable skills to the team which means we have a good skills base to deal with different situations.
“Working with others, working as a team and making new friends was one of the best things about this job. You’re in it together and you build a unique bond and you all join to help others.”
People can find out about on-call firefighter opportunities on the Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service website.
Chief Fire Officer Rob Barber said:
“Our on-call firefighters give so much to their local community and Glyn has done this for over 20 years.
“The commitment that Glyn and his family have given to Staffordshire residents is remarkable and I am so very grateful for his service.
“He is a credit to the service and we all wish him well for the future.”