Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service have recently launched a recruitment drive for new firefighters, and they’ll have an extra space to fill in Wem with the retirement of one of their longest-serving members.

Phil Smith, 63, has called time on his career after working for the service in one form or another since 1976.

Phil was originally working as a mechanic for a brewery when he joined the fire service, working part-time during what he described was a “very hot summer”.

In 1978 Phil married and bought a house in Wem, before moving to a ‘full cover’ firefighter.

During this time Phil also worked as a firefighter for RAF Shawbury as well as working for the fire service in Wem.

“I worked for two years and applied for leading firefighter,” said Phil. “I didn’t get it and it broke my heart.

“But after four-and-a-half years I applied again and got it.

“And in 2000 I was promoted again, to watch manager.

“I worked shifts at RAF Shawbury for 27 years so between the brewery and Shawbury it was full cover – it worked quite well.”

During his 43 years of service, Phil was involved in some high-profile callouts, as well as some close shaves.

“One of the biggest major incidents was in Shrewsbury when a petrol tanker fell over,” said Phil.

“Not just because of the fire risk, but also the petrol was going down the drains, which could have poisoned the ground water.

“I also went to the Tern Hill bombing as well as the Shrewsbury Castle bombing.

“We went out to Whixall Moss a lot in the80s. Farmers would burn the tops off the moss and sometimes it would get out of control.

“The most we had there once was 34 fire engines, which is the most I’ve ever seen on a job.

“It’s a mixture with shouts though. I went to a house fire for an ex-fireman, who lost his little girl. You can’t cater for that.”

Phil says that living and working locally can have a surprising effect on people he helps, with seeing a familiar face often serving as a calming presence.

“With RTCs you’re going to, it helps if you know them,” added Phil.

“The last one I went to in Wem, it was a lad I knew well. It settles them down.”

It is no surprise that Wem is a relatively quiet area of the world when it comes to fires, so a large part of Phil’s job was to test fire alarms in the town, which also presented its own unique challenges.

“Back in 2007 there was a big push on smoke alarms,” said Phil. “Wem had 1,150 and I did most of them. Then the council came along, took them all out and installed their own.

“It’s often lovely old people who you test the alarms of. Sometimes I’ll say to my wife, I’m off to fit a smoke alarm, and it takes an hour and she wonders where I’ve been!

“But we love Wem Carnival as well, it’s such an honour to lead the parade.

“Another one we attend is at Wem Caravan Park, which sets a week aside for seriously ill children.

“The glow on their faces when they see you is amazing. I’ve always likened it to Christmas.

“Visiting schools as well, it’s marvellous.

“It works well when people get to know you. Once people recognise you, it puts them at ease.”

Phil says you need a life outside of work, but added he rarely ventured far from Wem for fear of missing a callout.

“You just don’t know how busy you will be,” he added. “I don’t go far out of Wem.

“In the last year I’ve missed four out of 180 call outs.

“You don’t like missing them, but as long as the engine goes out.”

But after 43 years, Phil has decided to call it a day, especially after suffering a health scare several years ago.

“I’ve given my wife and family a lot to worry about,” said Phil. “I had a cardiac arrest 11 years ago.

“If it weren’t for my wife I wouldn’t be here now.

“I was in intensive care for five weeks and it took me 12 months to get back into the job.”

“That gave me something to aim for, to get over that.

“But I’ve been very lucky with Wem, the town’s done well by me.”

Andy Johnson, deputy chief fire officer for Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, said that Phil served as a great example for new firefighters.

“Officers in charge of the on-call stations across the county are often thought of as the local ‘fire chief,” said Andy.

“No one deserves such a title more than Phil.

“He has always led by example, being just as happy showing the younger firefighters how to operate the pumps and ladders as he is taking command at all sorts of incidents in and around Wem.

“We all wish him a very long, happy and healthy retirement, but we also look forward to keeping in contact with him over the coming years.”

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service is always looking for on-call firefighters and potential applicants should visit oncallfire.uk/