Tony’s 39 years of saving lives

TONY Proctor, Greater Manchester’s deputy chief fire officer, is retiring after 39 years service.

He began his career in Lincolnshire and as a young firefighter was one of the first to arrive at the Flixborough disaster in 1974 when 28 people were killed in an explosion.

He joined the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service in 1975 and quickly rose through the ranks to become deputy chief in April, 2002.

He has helped achieve major improvements in fire safety, including the adoption of fire regulations for furniture that have helped to save thousands of lives.

He has been heavily involved in helping disadvantaged young people as part of his work with the Prince’s Trust.

Tony (55), who holds the Queen’s Fire Service Medal, is also a Companion Fellow of the Institution of Fire Engineers.

He said: “I have been privileged to work alongside firefighters, brave men and women, who are prepared to lay their lives on the line for complete strangers.”