Farewell to one of Uckfield's longest serving firefighters
Uckfield Community Fire Station is saying farewell to its long-serving crew manager, Tim Slaughter.
After 25 years service Tim will be taking a well-earned rest and hanging up his fire boots on May 20.
He joined East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service as a retained firefighter at the old Uckfield Fire Station in Keld Avenue, back in November of 1986.
He was promoted to crew manager in 1998.
Station Manager Matt Lloyd said: “This is such a special achievement, as being a retained duty firefighter requires such a level of personal commitment”.
He added: “The role involves being on call for long periods and depends upon support from an understanding family and employer, as at any time you have to be able to respond to emergency situations.
"Tim’s enthusiasm, caring nature and ability to make people laugh will be missed around the station. We would all like to wish Tim the best for the future.”
Wealden Borough Commander, Mark Matthews, paid tribute to Tim for his devotion to both the service and the community.
In recounting quotes from Tim’s personal record, Mr Matthews said: "There can be no doubt that in those 25 years of service, you will have touched the lives of countless people while making the community a much safer place”.
On his last drill night (May 14), colleagues presented Tim with a mounted axe together with vouchers for angling equipment and a new golf bag so that he can return to pastimes that have been on the back burner for 25 years.
Tim’s wife, Nicky, was presented with a bouquet as a thank you for her support and patience.
Here is more information about the activities of Uckfield Community Fire Station and the History of Firefighting in Uckfield.
See also:
Commuter parking spreads to Uckfield's Victoria Ground
Who owns Uckfield's Old Timbers Lane
Look out for new craft workshops around Uckfield
(Added to site Wednesday, May 16th, 2012)
.jpg "Uckfield Festival entertainment includes time travel back to 1913")
