Firefighter steps down after 42 years of service to community

A SENIOR Tayside firefighter, whose service was recognised by the Queen, has retired after 42 years.

Watch commander Bryan Cuthill has served Brechin and the surrounding area since 1978.

He began as a retained firefighter while working as a plumber and continued in that role for decades.

Mr Cuthill said he first became interested in the fire service when he saw colleagues mobilise for action while he working as a young tradesman.

He said: “I was working on a job with two painters who suddenly dropped their tools and darted off rather quickly on their bikes to the fire station.

“On hearing the sirens, I watched the appliances en route to an incident and thought that it was something I could get involved with as well.

“I knew the station was looking for recruits at that time so I went along to a training night and never looked back.”

Bryan’s career included an invitation to Buckingham Palace in 2016 where he went with his wife Linda to receive the Queen’s Fire Service Medal for his services to the community.

He was also commended in 2019 for his many years of service. His last day was on December 30.

Bryan said: “I’ll have to get out of my daily routine of checking the fire station every morning while on my way to my work as a selfemployed plumber.

“I’ll now have time to have more away days with Linda, taking advantage of my bus pass. We have three grown-up children and six grandchildren to visit as well.”

He also hopes to encourage people in their community to consider joining the retained service.

Bryan said: “It is a really rewarding and worthwhile job. It’s been an honour to have served the community and I know that they will be in safe hands.

“I would like to thank all the hard working, dedicated personnel, past and present, throughout the organisation, who have helped me during my career.

“Keep up the good work.”

Bryan Cuthill with one of his accolades.