IN November 1980, Dave Hemming walked into Burford fire station after hearing the crew could do with a helping hand.

Last night he took part in his last drill night after 34 years as a retained (on-call) firefighter battling blazes and keeping the people of West Oxfordshire safe.

The father-of-two can reflect on an exciting part-time career but said he is looking forward to putting his feet up after the stresses and strains of firefighting, and getting more of a social life with his wife Carole.

The 60-year-old, who works as a car mechanic in Carterton, said: “I think I will be sad to finish up but it will be nice not to be on call all the time after 34 years.

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“I have no real plans for my retirement. I turned 60 this year and thought it was time to pack up.”

Mr Hemming moved to Burford shortly before joining the fire service.

He said: “They were struggling for crew at Burford fire station and one of the crew members suggested I go down and have a word, and that was it basically, I was accepted. The equipment has changed since then; it has come on so far it is unbelievable. We had plastic jackets and leggings – it was a bit of a joke.”

Of all the fires Mr Hemming has tackled, the blaze at the Bull Inn in Burford in July 1982 stands out as one of the toughest.

Oxford Mail:

  • The badly damaged Bull Inn after the 1982 fire 

Two children were rescued from a window ledge during the incident, which left High Street shut for a number of days. Mr Hemming said: “I remember the fire engine turning the corner and me seeing these two young kids on a window ledge of the Bull Inn, which was well alight.

“Myself and my colleague were first in the building to deal with the fire and I recall just how hot it was.

“We had only just got a new ladder for our fire engine the week before the fire and had only tested it out once. I really do not know what we would have done to save those children if we had not had that ladder.”

He added: “It has been a rewarding 34 years.

“I love helping people and also the excitement and the buzz of the job.”

Burford fire station commander Nick Bourke said: “Dave has been an exceptional professional and excellent servant to the community throughout his 34 years of service.”

 

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