A FIREFIGHTER from Bromsgrove is retiring after 30 years saving lives across the county.

During 30 years as a firefighter with Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service, Rob Barr has experienced a huge variety of different roles.

The 50-year-old, from Worcester, spent 18 years working at Worcester Fire Station before moving across to Bromsgrove, where he currently works.

As Mr Barr prepares to retire from the service later this month, he has been reflecting on how his job has evolved since he joined up in 1989.

In that time the job has changed significantly, especially with regards to personal protective equipment, which has progressed from the days of yellow plastic leggings to the more state-of-the-art gear worn today.

Mr Barr spoke of the different jobs he had been involved in during his 30 years of service, which included traffic collisions, flood relief and even downed aircraft.

He said: “During three decades, I have attended all sorts of calls – from fires and traffic collisions to the summer floods back in 2007 and animal rescues.

“I was even part of the crew called when an aircraft came down in Bewdley.

“I have operated and driven front-line fire engines, rescue boats, ladder platforms and emergency tenders.”

Mr Barr reflected on how his role has changed, and how a large part of his job revolves around education in the community.

He said: “Recently the role has also become very active in community safety, and I have enjoyed talking to groups from children to senior citizens in pursuit of fire safety, as the emphasis has now often focused on fire prevention with the reduction in call-outs these days.”

Mr Barr says he is now looking forward to spending more time with wife Zoe and seven-year-old son Theo.

He added: “I have had some job offers but I’m going to be taking some time off for a while.

“I shall be doing the school run and we’re going to be moving house.

“And I’m looking to be putting a few miles in on the motorcycle.

“I have had an amazing career and it has been a privilege to serve.”