Long serving Ruislip firefighter honoured

From there he went on to serve at a number of stations across the capital including Chiswick, Park Royal, Hammersmith, Chelsea and Wembley, eventually rising through the ranks to the position of Station Manager.

He is now based at Ruislip fire station where is part of the Brigade's training team.

Although over the last 30 years, he has attended many major incidents, Graham says his most memorable 'shout' occurred while he was stationed at Heston.

He recalls: "I was involved in the rescue of a child on Twickenham Road in Heston during the early 1980s. This incident sticks in my mind because afterwards when we took the boy's teddy bears to the hospital his sister thanked the crew for saving her brother's life.

"I had not seen it before, but there was five professional firefighters with tears in their eyes all feeling extremely proud. That feeling beats any of the bigger incidents I have attended."

Graham says the job has changed out of all recognition since he first joined the Brigade,and mostly for the best.

Reflecting on his career he said: "The thing I like best about the job is the comradeship and the feeling of belonging to an extended family.
"Whenever you visit another station you can always guarantee assistance from your colleagues, even if sometimes that comes with a tongue in cheek approach.

"I would recommend the Brigade as a career without hesitation - it was the best move I ever made."