A 30-year milestone for firefighter George
Remembering dangerous callouts and Comrie floods
A Perthshire firefighter is celebrating 30 years with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
Roofing contractor George Ferguson was 20 years old when he joined the brigade in Comrie as a retained fireman.
As an apprentice slater with Carmichael’s Builders in the village, George’s interest was first sparked when he was working with two firemen.
He explained: “They were going on about a fire they were at the previous day.
“It sounded very interesting to me and I thought this would be of interest if a job became available.”
Two months later, a position arose and George signed up.
George’s most memorable incident in his three decades with the brigade was tackling the large fire at Aberuchill Castle.
“I think it was 1994,” he explained, adding: “It was very cold with snow, and ice was forming in some of the hoses when they were not getting used so it was very frustrating.”
George says his most dangerous and challenging callouts have involved the floods in Comrie, not only those of 2015, but 2012, 1997 and before that as well.
He continued: “Just seeing how fast the water level rises is incredible. Also removing occupants of houses to safety can be challenging.”
But George would still recommend the job to others.
He added: “You get the best training you can ask for, plus you go out into the community to help others.
“This job is about having the best equipment, training and knowledge to do the best job but I’ve been very lucky to have been around with some of the biggest characters of the village from the past.
“It’s all about teamwork and I feel Comrie has always had this at the station, past and present, and I’ve been lucky to be part of a wonderful team.
“But now I feel like the old man of the station as we have a very youthful bunch of firefighters now.”
Watch manager Ben Liversedge praised George’s contribution to the fire service. He said: “George has been a very valued member of Comrie fire station over the past 30 years. This in itself is an achievement as this is his parttime job.
“He has seen many changes in his career from Tayside Fire Brigade to Tayside Fire and Rescue and now the Scottish Fire and Rescue service.
“Throughout his career he has always been a keen and valued member of the station and is proud to serve the community that he lives in.
“He started with Tayside Fire Brigade on January 14,1988, and has worked his way to the post of crew manager.
“George has been to many incidents over the years - too many to go into - but this makes his knowledge and experience invaluable to the station.
“George is a good mentor to the younger members of the station Ferguson George and is always willing to provide guidance and reassurance when called upon.
“I would just like to congratulate George on achieving this milestone and hope he carries on for a few more years.”
This job is about having the best equipment, training and knowledge to do the best job