Watch Commander bids fond farewell

Reporter: Lewis Jones
Date online: 21 December 2011

FROM rescuing parrots to wading waist-deep in silage, it’s been a varied career for a dedicated firefighter from Oldham.

Watch Commander Peter Shaw (50) has spent 30 years saving lives and putting out fires, but yesterday he clocked off for the final time after three decades of service and 14 years at Hollins station.

The job has not been without its challenges for Peter, who lives in Royton, did his training in Oldham and has worked at Heywood, Chadderton and Rochdale stations.

“I remember going out to a fire where four people had died in one house,” he revealed. “Tragedies like that stick with you throughout your career.

“Times have changed so much we now the number of fatalities in a year as sometimes we would get in a month. Everyone is a lot more savvy now.”

For every tragic memory, others stick out for lighter reasons. “We turned out to a farm in the late 80s, I jumped off the engine and went straight into a slurry pit,” said Peter. “It was up to my waist and I couldn’t move and everyone had to pull me out. I was ribbed about that for years.

“Another time my senior officer had me going up a ladder to rescue an escaped parrot. Of course when I got up there it got scared and flew away, so we spent a while going from tree to tree trying to catch it.”

It’s been a career to cherish for the firefighter, who speaks passionately about the service and his colleagues.

“Firefighting has changed so much since I started. Everyone that does the job is proud to say they do so and I’ve had a fantastic career. I’ll miss the camaraderie and closeness with everyone, they’re much more than workmates.

“Firefighters are the same as they always were, whenever people phone us we’ll be there — that’s how it will always be.”