East Lothian firefighter retires after serving hometown of Tranent for 44 years

Brian Haddow, from Tranent, joined Lothian and Borders Fire Service as an on call firefighter in 1980 whilst working for a large wholesale organisation.

On call firefighters play a vital role in the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS), responding to emergency callouts in their local communities during their agreed-on call hours. After learning about the role from his boss he said he ‘didn't even ask about the pay, it was just something I wanted to do’.

Brian Haddow, from Tranent in East Lothian, retired as an on call firefighter after 44 years | Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

And after responding to thousands of incidents over the years, Brian has now called time on his fire service career and intends to spend more time with his family and friends. The 63-year-old said he will ‘miss the adrenaline rush’ that comes with the job but is certain that the closely-knit bond with the crewmates in his Watch will remain in place.

Reflecting on his firefighter life, Brian said: "I'm not sure what I'll do with my time yet, but I'm sure I'll be kept busy. I'll miss the camaraderie of being involved with the Watch, but we'll keep in touch and will meet up regularly.”

He added: “I think I'll miss the adrenaline rush of the pager going and wondering what we are responding to, but it's the right time to step back."

Andy Girrity SFRS, head of service delivery for the East of Scotland, said: “On call firefighters like Brian are integral in protecting rural and remote communities right across Scotland. Forty-four years of service is an exceptional commitment to make and shows the level of passion Brian and his fellow on call firefighters have for community safety.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Brian for his outstanding commitment to his community and wish him all the very best in his retirement."

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are now recruiting on call firefighters in areas across Scotland. You can view current vacancies on the My Job Scotland website and to learn more about the role you can visit the SFRS website.