Scotland's Longest Serving Firefighter Retires at 70: "It's Like Cutting off an Arm"
Dave Farries joined South Eastern Fire Brigade in Edinburgh as a junior fireman in August 1968.
After 55 years of service in Edinburgh, Dave Farries is hanging up his hat for the final time. The grandfather of three, who lives in Currie with wife Michelle said: “It is like cutting off an arm. I’m taking a big part of me right out and it’s away. "
Dave's over half-century of public service has included lengthy spells as a firefighter, instructor and investigator and he was awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal (QFSM) in 2014.
In his later years he has worked as the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) Heritage Officer and has been integral in the opening of the new Museum of Scottish Fire Heritage in Edinburgh, where he will continue as a volunteer.
“I’ve loved my career and the opportunities I’ve had through the fire service. While I will still be connected through volunteering with the museum, it is still a big part of my life which is completely changing. Many people thought I would just go on until I dropped and I probably could have but I thought better of it. I’ll be 71 in a few weeks and now is the time to go.”
The SFRS held a retiral ceremony in Dave’s honour at the recently-opened museum, where he was presented with his retiral certificate by Chief Officer Ross Haggart in front of family, friends and colleagues past and present.
Chief Officer Haggart said: “Dave epitomises what it means to be a firefighter. He has selflessly dedicated his life to help and serve others. He has had a profound and positive influence in teaching and developing other firefighters during his long career.
“Dave’s legacy on our service will always remain. We are grateful for his tireless commitment and the huge amount of personal time he has given to keep our heritage alive.”
Growing up in Hawick in the Scottish Borders before moving to Edinburgh in 1968, he has worked in the majority of the city’s community fire stations as well as various departments within the Service before moving into fire investigation.
Dave said: “It’ll be strange not wearing my uniform after I officially retire. I always have my uniform on at work. It’s like a second skin. I will miss that I am no longer an official member of the Service.”