A KEIGHLEY firefighter – the third generation of his family to serve in the brigade – has retired.

 

Adam Paley completed his final shift with blue watch last night, after notching-up three decades' service.

 

He spent all 30 years at the Keighley station, where he had started as a young probationary.

 

Although the fire service is in the blood – his grandfather Jack Paley and father David both served with Silsden's retained brigade and became station boss – it wasn't an automatic career choice when a 16-year-old Adam left South Craven School, at Cross Hills.

 

"I became a farm labourer," says Adam, who is Silsden born and bred and still lives in the town.

 

"I just loved working outside.

 

"It was my dad who mentioned one day that the fire service was recruiting, so I decided to apply and the rest – as they say – is history.

 

"I spent 12 weeks training at Birkenshaw then went onto station for two years as a probationary."

 

Adam, 52, said he had hugely enjoyed his time in the brigade and would miss it.

 

"As a child I would help my dad – when he got a call out during the night I would jump out of bed too and open the garage door for him, and would do bits at the station – so it feels like the fire service has been part of me for much of my life," he said.

 

"I've worked with some great people over the years and there is a fantastic camaraderie amongst colleagues.

 

"You do have to deal with some unpleasant situations in the job – it's awful going to fatalities – but you build in coping mechanisms."

 

He said the fire service had changed immensely over the years.

 

"The equipment we have now is first class – that has developed in leaps and bounds," he said.

 

"And there is much greater emphasis on community safety and educating the public."

 

But in common with other services, the brigade has seen cuts.

 

There are now just half a dozen firefighters per shift at Keighley – compared with 17 when Adam started – and a single fire engine, in contrast to the two appliances and turntable ladder of the past.

 

Adam admits that in some ways he had found the idea of retirement quite daunting, but although he will miss many aspects of the job, he's looking forward to the new chapter in his life.

 

High on the agenda will be spending more time with his wife Tracy – who works at Hayfield Robinson in Keighley – and their four-year-old daughter, Summer.

 

"I'll be looking after Summer in the holidays but other than that I've no firm plans at the moment," he said.

 

"My interests include the family, socialising and walking the dog!

 

"I will be seeking something work-wise again but am taking time out first."

 

Watch commander Andy Quinn pays tribute to Adam, who received a plaque and certificate to mark his retirement.

 

"He has been a pleasure to manage during the five years I've been here and blue watch will miss him," he said.