A Mearns fire crew manager has stepped down after 30 years’ service to allow the “younger generation” to step up.
Crew manager Graeme Godsman spoke about the changes he has seen over the years as he retired from Laurencekirk Fire Station.
He said: “I have enjoyed my time at Laurencekirk but I feel it is the time to stand down and allow a younger generation to experience the rewarding role in serving the community.”
Mr Godsman said he had witnessed great advances in technology and firefighter safety since joining Grampian Fire Brigade in January 1986.
Tom Fleming, the watch manager at Laurencekirk, acknowledged the support Mr Godsman had given to him over the years.
He said: “Graeme has always set high standards both in supporting the personnel on the station as well as when dealing with the public; he is a credit to himself.
“His knowledge and experience has been invaluable when developing new firefighters joining the station.”
Station manager Stuart Cruickshank said the service is “extremely thankful” to retained personnel for their commitment and thanked their employers for cooperation in allowing staff to respond to pager alerts.
He added: “The crews are called away to an emergency at very short notice, they could be enjoying family time or at work when they are alerted and have to attend the fire station.
“Within five minutes they could be dealing with a road traffic collision or a fire in someone’s property it is so varied.
“It is not often someone remains 30 years within the retained service, as it is a big commitment, so these occasions have to be applauded.
“The experience gained over the 30 years is invaluable and the additional skills gained can also be a benefit to local employers life-saving skills including CPR, health and safety as well as working as team.”