Firefighter hero honoured

Cape town’s Pat Muir has been putting out blazes for 46 years

WHAT do you do after you have been a firefighter for more than four decades? You keep on fighting fires.

Pat Muir, who has been a firefighter with the City of Cape Town for 46 years, was recognised by the city as Cape Town’s longest-serving fireman last month. Muir, 63, and a father of two, lives in Bothasig with his wife, Karen.

He is the commander of fleet operations at the Milnerton Fire Station and fighting fires is in his blood.

“My late dad, Robert, was in the service for 37 years, retiring as chief fire officer of the then- Milnerton Fire Department in 1985. My late brother, Rodney, was a firefighter for 21 years and my son, Roderick, has just notched up 15 years in the service.”

At the award ceremony mayoral committee member for Safety and Security JP Smith said: “It is easy to forget the sacrifices and contributions of our staff when we’re literally fighting fires and handling disasters and crime on a daily basis. The City of Cape Town is fortunate to have the calibre of employees who live the values of the Organisational Development and Transformation Plan and understand the principle introduction of women firefighters 20 years ago. “I’ve only had good experience with them. They are as competent as their male counterparts.

“Our priority is always to protect lives and then property. We try our utmost to prevent the spread of the fire and to minimise losses. The fear factor is always there and one often has to make split-second decisions, but a good firefighter knows to remain calm in an emergency and to allow common sense, training and experience to kick in.”

Muir said it had been his pleasure and that of the other 1 200 permanent firefighters to serve the people of Cape Town.

“In our profession happy endings are few as our assistance is usually required in distressing situations. However, our reward comes in the satisfaction of being able to help others in their hour of need.

“I can say with all honesty that I love what I do, and I love the people that I work with. No day is the same. If you want to get rich, then do something else, but if you want adventure and have a passion for helping others, then stay for the ride of your life.”

His advice for his colleagues: “Stay fit, read each situation and don’t take unnecessary risks.”

City firefighter Pat Muir battles a blaze with a colleague.