A TOP firefighter involved in battling major mill blazes has retired from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service after 30 years’ service.
Area manager Brian Robson started at Brighouse Fire Station in 1982 and has had an eventful three decades.
During his early years he formed a double act with popular fire safety mascot Wellyphant to teach children the dangers of fire.
He was posted to Bradford Fire Station as commander during some of the city’s most challenging times during riots in the city.
Brian, from Brighouse, has attended a number of large incidents, including one at Woodvale Mills in Brighouse in 1988 and the more recent Grosvenor Chemicals blaze in Linthwaite in 2010.
He led publicity and safety campaigns and is also chairman of the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service Band – a role in which he will remain.
He was promoted to Area Manager in charge of community safety in 2005, where he developed the brigade’s fire prevention agenda to become the success it is today and was then transferred to Operational Preparedness in 2010.
Brian said: “I am most proud of the time I spent in community safety. Its huge success was very much a team effort.
“I have had a fantastic career and I would like to thank everyone I have worked with over the years for their hard work and support.
“It really is the best job in the world.”
Chief Fire Officer Simon Pilling said: “Brian has been a fantastic ambassador for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service over the past 30 years.”
