DESPITE the tough job faced by firefighters every day, Pat Rosum insists it is the best job in the world as he marks 40 years in the service.

The 61-year-old has been told he is to receive the Oxfordshire High Sheriff’s Award for his years of dedication at Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The father-of-two and grandfather-of-four, who has lived in East Hendred all of his life, said it was a difficult job but he was proud to do it.

He said: “You are helping people and making a difference.

“It is every small boy’s dream to be a fireman. It is a fantastic job with a brilliant bunch of people.”

But the firefighter, who has been stationed at locations across the county during his four decades of service, said he would always remember the terrible fire and road accidents he had been called out to.

He said: “The thing that sticks with me is the devastating loss fire causes to individuals and their families. And from a road traffic collision point of view, to see young lives blotted out is really tragic.”

Mr Rosum, of Mill Lane, retired from operational duties in 2004 and now works as a safety adviser.

When he joined the service in 1972 there were more than 1,000 deaths from fire every year. Last year there were 388.

One of the more memorable calls was to a 31-car pile-up on the A34 near Abingdon in August 1989 caused by burning crop stubble. He added: “It was amazing nobody was killed.”

Mr Rosum said he was overwhelmed to hear he had won the award and he will be presented with it on Thursday, March 1, at County Hall.

Area manager Nigel Wilson, when nominating him, said Mr Rosum must have helped save “countless lives”.

He said: “Pat’s diligence is renowned and without his support to all of my fire officers, Oxfordshire would not be the safe county that it is.”

David Etheridge, the county’s chief fire officer, said: “I am delighted this award recognises his long-term commitment and dedication.”