Veteran welcomed back to fire station he served at 70 years ago for a special visit

A veteran enjoyed a trip down memory lane on a special visit to one of the fire stations he served at more than seventy years ago.

George Simms, who is 96-years-old and lives at Broughton House – a Veteran Care Village in Salford, visited Whitehill Community Fire Station today (Monday 24 February) where he ended his fire service career in 1973.

To make the occasion even more special, fire engines, uniforms and photographs from George’s era in the service were brought to the station for the visit, courtesy of Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum.

During the 25 years George served his community as a firefighter he tackled a number of challenging incidents and in 1964 was commended by Stockport Corporation for an incident where he rescued a woman from a challenging house fire.

George was welcomed to Whitehill by Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) Leon Parkes, Station Manager Mat Rooney and Green Watch from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS).

He was accompanied by his son Alan and friend Ken Brotherhood.

Speaking at the event George said: “It’s so lovely to be back at the fire station I served at over 70 years ago.

“I cherish memories of my whole career, including serving as a firefighter for the fire service and helping to keep members of my local community safe.”

ACFO Parkes said: “Today has been wonderful for everyone involved. Inviting George back to the station he served at for many years has been a very special moment for both him and his family.

“It was our pleasure to welcome him back and give him a chance to look at how the Service has developed over the last 70 years. It was especially nice to be able to bring some equipment and vehicles that he would have used all that time ago for him to see.”

24/02/2020 14:23 PM