Long Serving Ely Fire Ofiicer Says Farewell To The Service

LONG-SERVING fire officer Paul Martindale joined colleagues and family and friends on Friday for a farewell party. Mr Martindale, who is retiring after 31 years with Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, says there have been huge changes in the service

LONG-SERVING fire officer Paul Martindale joined colleagues and family and friends on Friday for a farewell party. Mr Martindale, who is retiring after 31 years with Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, says there have been huge changes in the service during his time but he has never had to rescue a cat from a tree.

"Fire officers rescuing cats from trees is a bit of myth, but having said that, we have had our fair share of animals stuck in railings or in dykes. The biggest changes have been in the equipment we use which includes everything from the basic kit and breathing apparatus to the vehicles we drive."

Mr Martindale says the biggest fires he has had to tackle have been the recent tyre blaze at Littleport and animal rights incidents in Cambridge a few years ago.

Asked how he was feeling on Friday, he replied: "It is difficult to put it into words, not sad, but not happy either, it's another chapter in my life and I'm looking forward to going on holiday and spending some more time with my grandchildren. The hardest thing will be leaving the lads, but at the moment I have no firm plans I just want to see what comes along."

6006: Paul Martindale with colleagues and friends and family at his farewell party at Ely Fire Station on Friday.

Photo: HELEN DRAKE.