A FIREFIGHTER in York has hung up his uniform after more than 43 years in the service.

Jim Whitehead started his fire service career in September 1968 at Clifford Street fire station in York.

Jim said: "The operational equipment and fire engines that firefighters use today are far superior to those in my days as a young rookie on the watch at York, but just like today’s firefighters, we carried out our duties and served the community with compassion, dedication and professionalism."

Alongside five other recruits, he was sent to Manchester Fire Brigades’ London Road Training School a week after starting. Jim then served at York fire station until 1990 when he was promoted to Leading Fireman in the training section in Peckitt Street.

Jim retired from this role in 1999, having served over 31 years as an operational firefighter. However, he was soon back in uniform as an Operations Support Technician for the next 11 years.

Jim said: "The Operations Support Technician job was a wonderful role, and it has been a privilege to remain with the Service and see many of the recruits that I helped train when I was at Ripon training school progress into dedicated and professional firefighters and managers.

"I would like to wish all the firefighters and staff within North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service all the very best for the future. I owe the fire service everything. It’s been a fantastic job and I will miss them all."