Buckie firefighters honoured for long service
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THREE Buckie firefighters have been commended for their commitment to keeping the local community safe.
Crew Commander Atholl Murray and Firefighter Mark Johnston were each awarded 30-year Long Service and Good Conduct Certificates. Group Commander David Hendry was awarded the 20-year Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.
These were presented by the SFRS Chief Officer Ross Haggart during a ceremony at Aberdeen town house.
Between them they have dedicated over 80 years combined service to the local area.
Both CC Murray and FF Johnston continue on-call at Buckie fire station. GC Hendry is in a full-time position currently as the senior officer for the Moray area.
GC Hendry said: “It’s nice to be recognised for long service, however, for me, it is very important to recognise the commitment of our on-call firefighters like Atholl and Mark.
"Having started my career as an on-call firefighter in Buckie, I know exactly the efforts they have to go to. Not only do they work in their full-time primary jobs, but they give so much time to providing their on-call commitment.
"They attend and deal with operational incidents, support the community with safety visits and inspections. They also find time to undertake charity collections and events in the local area. It really is an above and beyond role they play in the community.
"Their families are also a large part of the commitment as they can often be called away during their family time and occasions such as birthdays or celebrations. But their families appreciate these missed times are to help other members of the community in their moment of need.”
The SFRS are always actively looking to recruit on-call firefighters within the Moray area and if interested you can find out further information from the website www.firescotland.gov.uk or contact your local fire station.
Once a new recruit has passed successfully through the selection process and signed their contract they undertake a two-week initial training course which focuses on the core skills of the role. After this, they are given their pager and are part of the on-call training. It takes a minimum of three years of training before a new recruit becomes a fully competent firefighter.
It can also provide a gateway to a full-time career with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service although the transition between the two roles is not guaranteed.
The Buckie on-call team are keen to hear from women who are interested in signing up.
