Proud of serving in fire service

In 25 years of service I have witnessed sights that others may never wish to witness.

I have seen colleagues from all services speechless, shocked and upset at the damage human beings can do to themselves and each other, but within minutes, hours or days we have had to repeat the experience.

I have no complaints, I made the decision to become a firefighter.

The modernisation process has been fluid in Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service, in fact many requirements by the Government as part of our pay settlement were already in situ in Shropshire years before the strike.

The national league tables show that we are the third most efficient brigade in the country, not bad for one of the most poorly funded brigades in the UK.

We are involved in ensuring that people have the best possible protection whilst in their homes, with approximately 5,000 homes per year fitted with smoke detectors coupled with advice on safety in the home. Special attention is given to the most vulnerable, the elderly, the deaf, the blind etc.

We visit commercial premises in the county ensuring that employers are carrying out risk assessments. We attend, fires, chemical incidents, road traffic collisions, rescue from height, water rescues and other emergencies - you name it we do it.

Modernisation Mr Johnston? Comfy chairs instead of beds? There is me thinking you didn't have a clue. Who will you call if you have a fire?

I'm proud of what I do and neither you or anybody else will ever take that away from me.

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