Fireman Paul’s 30-year love of stopgap job

Photo: Darren Robinson

Paul Ormrod (front) with, from the left: Mark Egerton, Andrew Tyas, David Holmes, watch commander Peter Shaw and Rob Nisbet

A FIRE-fighter has bid a fond farewell to the job he loves after 30 years’ service.

Paul Ormrod (53), from Chadderton, enjoyed celebrations with his colleagues last night after retiring from Blue Watch at Hollins Fire Station.

It was a sudden twist of fate when he was 23 that launched Mr Ormrod into a career he has loved.

“I was waiting to hear from Hull University to do a master’s degree when I applied to the fire service for something to do while I was waiting,” he explained.

“Once I started the training and got a job I enjoyed it so much I stayed.

“It was not something I intended to do but once I started I loved it. It’s the best decision I ever made.

“It was a wonderful job but the real thing that makes it is the camaraderie with the blokes.

“I’m not sad to be leaving because the job has changed slightly over the last few years as the politicians have got hold of it. It’s the right time for me to go. But I will miss the banter with the lads.

“I’m leaving with many happy memories. I think it’s the only job in the world where I can say I have never woken thinking, ‘I don’t want to go to work today’.

“I have never not wanted to go to work in 30 years. That’s priceless.”

Mr Ormrod worked for three years in the West Midlands and 27 years at Hollins.

His career has scaled a wide range of jobs and experiences.

He said: “There’s an awful lot that’s happened to single out any one, from some very funny but some very tragic. You need to use black humour to cope with tragedy.

“That’s really a coping technique that everyone uses. It’s a very effective tool.

“But because you are part of a team you don’t experience it on your own and that makes it easier to come to terms with.”

Mr Ormrod is married with two children and is now looking forward to a summer of rest before considering whether to take on a part-time job.

He will also indulge more in his hobbies of running, cycling and walking, which have helped him keep fit to meet the physically demanding job of fire fighting.