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As part of our ongoing celebrations for our 50th anniversary, we invited our staff to share their personal stories and memories from their time with us.

These reflections capture the heart of our organisation and the people who have shaped it over the years.

Photo montage of service vehicles over 50 years

Jan Oxtoby
I started my career in Local Government straight out of school in 1967, working for the Education Department.

When reorganisation came, I was invited to join my colleagues at the newly formed Humberside Fire Brigade, and I was there on 1 June 1974 when the Flixborough Disaster occurred.

In 1976, I left to raise my family but returned in 1988, working in various administrative roles until my retirement in 2012.

Over the years, I met many great colleagues and made lasting friendships, some no longer with us, but the memories remain.

David Thompson
My father, James, served as a firefighter from around 1957 until 1980, eventually becoming the sub-officer in charge at Patrington.

As a child, I would often walk to the station after a call-out to check that the bay doors were closed and the bicycles safely put away. For over 20 years, we had a large bell at the top of the stairs that would wake the entire house if it rang during the night.

Life became quieter when they moved to Paget's, though we would still be woken by my mum getting the door open and setting his bike outside, ready for him to go.

I’ll always remember the smell of smoke in the house when we came home from school, a sure sign that Dad had been to a fire.

Fred Barnett
I clearly remember the day the Queen and Prince Philip opened the Service Headquarters, along with the many rehearsals we had to go through. Preparing for the rescue drill involved plenty of challenges, including new uniforms and equipment.

At the time, I was the Divisional Commander of C Division and can be seen on the right, just behind the Queen's bouquet.

Best wishes to all colleagues, old and new.

Thank you to everyone who shared their stories; if you haven’t already, we’d love to hear your favourite memories as well.