Fire hero hangs up hose after 30 years

A long- serving firefighter, who has worked at a number of Peterborough stations, is finally standing down after a career spanning 30 years.

Nigel Burgess ( 60) began his career at Cambridgeshire Fire Service in 1982 as a member of red watch in Cambridge, before moving to blue watch in Stanground and then becomingLeadFirefighteratHuntingdon.

He returned to Cambridge as Sub- OfficerandthenStation Officer for Fire Safety, before a spellasaninstructoratTheFire Service College, in Moreton- inMarsh, Gloucestershire.

He later became Assistant Division Officer for Fire Safety at Peterborough. He then became Station Commander at Wisbech before finally taking up the post in Huntingdon.

The father- of- three said: “Over the past 30 years I’ve had an absolute ball.

“We start as a group, work together as a team, and end up as family here at the fire service. It’s a family for me and we worktogether to dothe best for the people.

“My boss has always been the little old lady across the road. That is the person who I am here for, day in, day out, to help and serve.”

When recalling his many years in the Service, Nigel said there was no single incident that stood out, as every shout was as important to him as the next. He added: “I always rememberthelastoneIattended. Nearly every call is a tragedy for those involved so they all stay in yourmind. Youjust havetotake it as it comes.”

Andy Watson, area manager at CFRS, said: “Nigel always maintained a professional approachtohisworkandwasdedicated to serving the people of Cambridgeshire.

“Hewasagenuinelyniceguy to work with and will be sorely missed among his colleagues.”

Mr Burgess said is now going to take a “gap year”, and will spend time caravanning and walkinginthecountrysidewith his partner Jan.

Jon Neish, Group Commander, presenting Nigel Burgess with his retirement figurine, surrounded by staff at Huntingdon Fire Station