A FLIGHT lieutenant has swapped his RAF uniform for firefighting gear as he takes on a dramatic new role after retiring from the military.

Trainee firefighter Mick Gilmore served 32 years in the RAF Regiment, working his way up through the ranks to Flight Lieutenant and serving around the world, before retiring and settling in Eardisley.

Looking around for his next challenge, Mr Gilmore, 52, decided the fire service fitted the bill.

RELATED NEWS: Hereford care home residents evacuated after fire

Originally from Bradford in West Yorkshire, he joined the RAF at 20 and served with the RAF Regiment, tasked with providing force protection for RAF bases, personnel and aircraft around the world.

This key role saw Mr Gilmore deployed on extensive operational service, including front line duties in Iraq and Afghanistan, and eight tours in the Falklands, as well as hot and cold climate exercises in numerous countries, including the Arctic Circle, USA, Gibraltar, Germany, Denmark, France and South Africa.

Other highlights of Mick's RAF service include serving on the prestigious Queen's Colour Squadron, receiving several senior commendations and raising thousands of pounds for various service charities.

During operational deployments, Mick attended numerous casualty incidents, applying life giving combat first aid and saving a number of lives in the Falklands, Iraq, Afghanistan.

ALSO READ:

Mr Gilmore worked his way up to the rank of Sergeant before gaining an officer's commission in 2010, still finding time to achieve a level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management, and reaching the rank of Flight Lieutenant.

In a change of scene and service, he took on a new specialism for his last military tour of duty, as an exchange officer at the Royal Naval College Dartmouth. Putting his leadership and management qualifications to good use, Mr Gilmore found himself training graduates to become junior officers in the Royal Navy.

Even before leaving the RAF, he took up his partner Jan's suggestion to apply to Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service as an on-call firefighter at Eardisley, his nearest fire station. He quickly got in touch with 'Station 48' and made good use of his RAF resettlement programme to complete the application process, making the long journey to and from Dartmouth to waste no time.

Once accepted, Mr Gilmore launched his initial training in February this year, getting to grips with the wide range of skills and expertise firefighters need.

OTHER NEWS:

Although the training is now on hold due to coronavirus, Mr Gilmore kept fully involved in his first few weeks of duty, seeing for himself the flood relief work that was keeping the service busy alongside fires and rescues.

He has just become a member of the critical incident support team and will use his military skills to help others in need, as a qualified trauma risk injury manager.

Mr Gilmore said: "I was wondering what to do after RAF service and Jan's suggestion to become an on-call firefighter really appealed, it sounded like a good match for my skill set and experience.

"Visiting Eardisley station and meeting firefighters there soon confirmed that. I really enjoyed the initial training and the chance to see what they do.

"I like to keep busy and always attend drill nights to receive more quality training from the highly experienced crew at 'Station 48'."

Mick added: "I'm looking forward to completing my training at the earliest opportunity and deploying on my first 'shout'. "

Despite coronavirus, the fire service is still recruiting for various roles. For more information visit www.hwfire.org.uk/join-us/latest-vacancies/#oncallff.