Fire chief who tackled Haworth inferno retires (From Keighley News)

Fire chief who tackled Haworth inferno retires

1:00pm Wednesday 16th January 2013 in Keighley By Keighley News reporter

A fire chief who was in charge of tackling several major blazes during his 30-year career – including the Ebor Mills, Haworth, inferno in 2010 – is retiring.

Assistant Chief Officer Martyn Redfearn has held a number of roles with the West Yorkshire brigade, including heading up fire safety in Bradford district.

Improving fire safety in schools was among his projects, and he was also involved in the early stages of a campaign that ultimately resulted in the Government recommending sprinklers be installed in all new school buildings.

Mr Redfearn has run the local branch of the Institute of Fire Engineers and has been active in promoting industry qualifications.

Latterly, he has served as director of service support, where he has been in charge of the fire service’s human resources and training directorates.

Mr Redfearn said: “I would like to thank everyone in the fire and rescue service who contributes to making West Yorkshire safer. It is a real team effort and everyone plays a part.”

Mr Redfearn now plans to devote more time to his interests, which include steam engines. He is a volunteer driver at Heatherslaw Light Railway in Northumberland.