Dave honoured for 35 years in fire service

Dave Robinson, believed to be the second longest serving firefighter in Lancashire, was presented with a certificate at Burnley Fire Station to mark his incredible career – a career he has thoroughly enjoyed.

“I just feel lucky I’ve been able to do the job I love for so long,” said Dave, who lives with his wife of 35 years, Anne, in Kibble Grove, Brierfield.

“I was at Nelson for 19 years before I moved over to Burnley and I have been here ever since. I’ve been to plenty of big fires over the years, the last one probably being the one at the mill in Trafalgar Street, Burnley.

“I’m still enjoying it and at the minute I certainly have no plans to retire.”

Father-of-three Dave could well have been firing shots in at Turf Moor following a stint at Burnley, but chose the fire service instead.

“I was on the books at Burnley for a while when I was younger and also had a job there. I decided to join the fire service though, because I wanted a stable career and went on from there really.”

Watch manager Pete Ashworth hailed his colleague’s longevity. saying: “It used to be the case that firefighters served that long but it’s very rare these days. Thirty years is usually the maximum now. Dave loves coming into work and is always full of life. The place is a lot duller when he’s not here.

“He’s very good with the younger members, often taking them under his wing and showing them the ropes. He’s a credit to the service.”