A top Nottingham firefighter has spoken to CBJ Star about the tragic everyday impact of his work following a minute’s silence on firefighters’ memorial day.
Matt Nash, Nottingham station manager has shared his thoughts as fire services around the country commemorate.
The day remembers colleagues nationally who have lost their lives whilst on duty.
Referring to the tragic loss of a colleague who battled a blaze in Edinburgh, Matt Nash said: “It effected us all.
“It is in the back of our mind when we get called.
“But there is utter trust and faith in the procedure.”
Earlier this year Barry Martin, 38, died four days after attending a blaze at a historic Edinburgh building.
Politicians, the public and many members of the fire service paid tribute to Martin.
Today is Firefighters Memorial Day, the day we remember our colleagues who have lost their lives whilst on duty. #FirefightersMemorialDay ❤️ pic.twitter.com/LPLBZE3z8d
— Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service (@nottsfire) May 4, 2023
Matt’s station follow the motto ‘taking risk to save life’ and have high levels of health and safety and training to avoid fatalities.
He has worked for Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service for 14 years and highlighted that there are clear steps to follow if any issue occurs at an incident.
For example, if something were to happen to a crew member, the station offer wrap around care.
He explained: “We have a family point of view and we are here to look after each other.
“Everyone has a degree of resilience.”
A spokesperson for Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “We haven’t had any Nottinghamshire firefighter deaths in recent history.
“Long may that continue.”
Matt reflected: “I can recall the death of Malcolm Kirton in the 80s in North West Lincolnshire and that also had a long lasting effect.”
Events like these serve as a reminder of the dangers the job entails.
Nottingham firefighters joined services across the country at midday to take a minute’s silence and pay respect to those who have passed.
