Town’s fire chief retires

ONE of the longest-serving firefighters in Dorset, Swanage station commander Phil Burridge, has hung up his uniform for the final time after over 40 years’ service.

Phil joined the then Dorset Fire Brigade on September 27, 1982, as a 19-year-old on-call firefighter and has now retired after being station manager in charge of Swanage fire station since 2002.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service chief fire officer Ben Ansell, along with many colleagues past and present joined Phil’s family to mark the occasion at Phil’s final drill night.

Mr Ansell said: “Remaining in any role for 40 years is an impressive commitment, but on-call firefighters and their families make a huge commitment to their communities.

“Call-outs can mean missing meals, family occasions and other events, but also saving lives.I want to say thank you to Phil and his family – Yvonne, Chris and Ryan – on behalf of the residents of Swanage, the Isle of Purbeck and across our wider service area, for his dedication to keeping them safe.

“Everyone at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service wishes Phil a long and happy retirement – without the sound of a pager!”

Phil said: “It has been a privilege to lead the crew at Swanage fire station for the last 21 years.

“Working with the great team at Swanage to keep our community safe has been an honour and I will truly miss all the friends I have made along the way.

“To anyone considering joining the fire service, go for it! Working as part of a team to have an impact on your community is a fantastic experience, one which I will treasure.”

Throughout his career, Phil has juggled his fire service commitments with his ‘day job’, initially as a butcher in Swanage town centre and more recently in the NHS as a fire safety officer.

Phil added: “Being an on-call firefighter is a huge commitment, and my wife and the rest of my family have made it possible for me to continue for as long as I have.

“I am incredibly grateful to them, and to all the firefighters who have supported the Swanage community over the years”

Phil hands over the reins at Swanage fire station to watch managers Nick Corben and Amanda Tatchell.