The Fire Service Years
13th August 1969--14th March 1993
Photograph: Mick Gurr
Water Tender Ladder Kempston Fire Station
18th July 2007
Probably the greatest turning point in my working life was my years in the Bedfordshire Fire Service, commencing on the 13th August 1969 and ending on the 14th March 1993. First as a retained Fireman and in 1971 I was accepted as a full time professional Fireman. Overall they were good years with much to remember and with more high points than lows. Life in the service produced some exciting times and a few dangerous situations as well which would often occur unexpectedly.
It is my intention to deal with the odd and unusual work which we sometimes found ourselves in and include a few of the more interesting shouts* I will point out at this time The Fire Service has it’s own terminology and language which I will explain as and when necessary.
Photograph: George Thompson
My first day on duty August 1969
(Before being issued with uniform)
L to R. Pete Lapworth, Charles Carpenter, Sub. Officer Norman Barker, D. Woodcraft, Michael Gurr.
Pictured: A Dennis Pump Escape, this vehicle was equipped with a 1000 gallon a minuet pump, and a 50ft. Bailey wheeled wooden escape ladder. The Photograph was taken at Britannia Road Fire Station, now part of Bedford Hospital.
Please take time to read some of my fire service stories
| Kempston
Mill No Drink at the Dew Drop And one we saved A Horsy Story And Now the Cows Not forgetting the Pigs |
Dallas Road Not A Very Happy Christmas Bromham Mill, Split Decission Faldoe Rd.  |