After 25 years service it's over and out for firefighter Paul

Paul Shaw, originally from Manchester but who has lived in the county for the last 20 years, has been putting out fires and carrying out rescues since initially joining the RAF as a firefighter in 1988.

In total, he has spent some 32 years with various fire services since leaving the air force.

Since 2018 he has called Lichfield Community Fire Station his home and will officially retire as Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service’s fire investigation lead and station manager for Lichfield this weekend.

“I’ve had a great working relationship with the staff in Lichfield,” said Paul, who currently lives in Eccleshall.

“They’ve been absolutely fantastic while I’ve been here.

“There are a number of people who have supported me through some ‘black dog days’, where dips in mental health have kicked in. They’re linked to incidents I have attended in the past. They’ll know who they are. They’ve supported me through the bad times and through some of the good times as well.

“The support we get from the service and from the Fire Fighters Charity as well is absolutely fantastic."

And he is proud of the service his crews have been able to provide the city and surrounding areas since his arrival.

“Instantly you’re thinking about the response. Those engines flying out of the doors. That blue-light response is absolutely key to the community and all of Staffordshire.

"But we also do a lot of preventative and protect work within our business communities and within homes where we are fitting smoke alarms and giving advice. This is absolutely critical to reducing fire deaths in Staffordshire.

“I’m really, really proud to have served as a firefighter. That’s all I’ve ever wanted to do, and I still get a bit anxious now knowing I am retiring. But the person who follows me can make an impact like I hopefully have made an impact on this community.”