After nearly a quarter of a century of being on call, a Swanage firefighter is hanging up his pager and says it’s time to let the younger ones carry on the good work.
Dave Prosser from Langton Matravers near Swanage in Dorset was presented with a certificate of long service by the chief fire officer of Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service Ben Ansell, at a leaving ceremony at Swanage Fire Station on Tuesday 23rd July 2024.
Chief fire officer of Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service Ben Ansell (left) presents Swanage firefighter Dave Prosser (right) with his long service certificate
“It’s been a great job”
Also joining the Swanage fire service crew at the presentation were Dave’s family and some of his former colleagues.
Dave, who works as a general builder when he’s not been fighting fires, said:
“I joined in 2000, after one of the old firefighters suggested I come down to the station to see whether I’d like to sign up, so I did and now I’ve done nearly 25 years.
“It’s been a great job – one moment you’re sitting on the sofa and the next you’re hacking it down the road on a call out. It can be very exciting, although you do get to see the good and the bad. Overall, it’s been very rewarding and the time has gone very quickly.
“I was a late starter at 39, so it’s not too late to join the fire service in your 30s or 40s however after 24 years it’s time for me to let the younger ones carry on.
“But I shall miss the crew – the guys and the gals. It’s been great!”
Ben Ansell says a few words about Dave
Dave has served the local community as a firefighter for nearly 25 years
Open day at Swanage Fire Station
There’s a chance for anyone interested in finding out about Swanage Fire Station and what really goes on behind the big sliding doors, to come along to its open day from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday 10th August 2024.
There will be a whole day of activities with live fire and rescue demonstrations, plus a chance to meet the emergency service crews and view their vehicles, including those from the coastguard, police and ambulance service as well as the fire service.
Visitors to Swanage Fire Station’s open day will get to check out the equipment
Hands on experience
“Come and see us”
Swanage station commander Nick Corben said:
“We haven’t had an open day for a while, so we thought it was about time to invite everyone to come and see us.
“There will be lots going on and it’s all free, so bring along the kids and they can find out more about fire safety as well as have a bit of fun. There will be a teddy zip wire – so bring along your teddy – plus games and a tombola.
“We’ll do a demonstration of how a chip pan fire can quickly spread and what to do to put it out, as well as show how we cut cars that have been in a crash. I’m sure we’ll be using our tower and there’s bound to be lots of water!
“There will be refreshments and a barbecue – not a disposable one! So do come along and if anyone is interested in joining us as an on-call firefighter, this is an ideal chance to have an informal chat.”
The Swanage crew and Dave’s family gather for the presentation
Dave with his daughter, mother and wife
“Incredible commitment”
Ben Ansell, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue chief fire officer since 2016, came along to Swanage Fire Station to present Dave with his long service certificate and thank him for his service.
He also recalled that they’d first met a long time ago, when Dave, as a new recruit, attended a training course run by Ben.
Ben Ansell said:
“It’s an incredible commitment that Dave and others like him, have given to Swanage and Purbeck, providing over the years, a fire and rescue service for the area. I’m also particularly grateful to all the families who support our on-call firefighters and their understanding of the time commitment.
“For an on-call firefighter, it can be very rewarding with the chance to learn new skills like leadership, driving expertise and first aid. Crews like Swanage are well respected within their community and it’s good to be part of the team.
“I’m delighted that Swanage is organising an open day and engaging with the community – and that other emergency services are coming along too.
“It’s an opportunity to see what we do and we’re always keen to hear from men and women who’d like to join us – we’re more effective when our workforce reflects the community we serve.”
Visitors will be able to get close to the emergency vehicles at the open day
Chance to attend driving courses is one of the attractions of being an on-call firefighter for some
Further information
- More about the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service on its website
