Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue stalwart retires after 50 years of service.
Alan Maskall was a 24-year-old painter-decorator when starting out on his storied career as an on-call firefighter at Horncastle Fire Station. Now, 50 years later, he’s decided to hang up his boots to spend more time with his family in a well-earned retirement.
Looking back across his journey, Alan pointed to the many advances in equipment, technology and techniques as the most noticeable difference in modern firefighting.
He noted that: “In the early days, fire kits were made from plastic and our gloves were basically like rubber garden gloves!
“Thankfully, today’s PPE uniform is miles better and actually suited for our roles, and it’s been great to see that our service has always looked for the best and latest in protective kit for our crews.”
Initially joining on-call, Alan worked his way up through the ranks across his years, committing into wholetime roles, reaching watch manager at Horncastle Fire Station, and becoming a driver training instructor at Waddington Training Centre.
Across 50 years, he’s attended hundreds of incidents of all types and sizes, helped to train hundreds of new firefighters, and given endless amounts of advice and support to even more.
One incident that stuck with Alan was a large fire at the C.K. Addison factory in Louth.
30 appliances took over six hours to contain and control the blaze. And, as breathing apparatus was still in its infancy, the firefighters who responded to fire needed medical clearing following the incident.
Alan added: “It really does make you thankful for the amazing the support we have today, in terms of kit, mental health and wellbeing, debriefs from incidents, and so on.
“There’s lots of things we didn’t have, or even consider, when I’d first started, but they are so important for welfare now and the fire service is a much better place for it.”
Mark Baxter, chief fire officer, presented Alan with the traditional fire axe and plaque in honour of his service to Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue, adding: “Alan has been a fantastic leader, role model, and servant for Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue and his local community.
“His 50 years with us is a testament to his dedication to public service and giving back to the community that he loves. And, although it’s obviously sad to see him leave the fire service, he’ll always be a part of the fire family and I know he’ll very much remain a cornerstone within Horncastle.
“Everyone at Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue wishes him all the best, and hopes he remembers to relax and put his feet up, for a change, in retirement.”
Mark Baxter, chief fire officer, presented Alan with the traditional fire axe on his retirement
Alan finished his reflections of his career, staying typically humble and thankful for the support he has received: “My family’s support over the years has been so important.
“I don’t think I’d have had the career I’ve had, for as long as I have, without them fully behind me, and I couldn’t be more grateful for them.
“It’s truly been a great honour serving the public, and being a prominent figure in my community. There’s lots I’m going to miss, but I’m happy that I’ll now be able to dedicate and enjoy more time with my family in retirement.”