Part-Time Fire Fighter For 23 Years

A man who was ‘badgered’ into joining the Fire Service when he returned from the war is retiring on reaching the age limit after 23 years, during the last eight of which he has been station officer at Bideford. 

He is Mr Tom Trick, deputy foreman-storekeeper in the Borough Surveyor’s department.

Presentations were made to him on Friday at a commemorative dinner at the New Inn Hotel, Bideford, the scene in 1968 of one of a number of big fires that he has helped to fight.

A Bidefordian, Mr Trick has had no other interest outside his home apart from his job – he has worked for the Council for about 15 years – and the Fire Service. His involvement seemed inevitable for a former employer, Mr F Tithecott, was station officer before him.

The presentations were made by Chief Fire Officer W M H Drake and took the form of a 400-day clock from Mr Trick’s past and present colleagues at the station, a tea-making set from sub-officers of the division and officers of the brigade; and a cheque.

Other speakers were Divisional Officer L E Orgar and the Mayor, Cllr Clarrie Metherell, who thanked him on behalf of the borough.

The full article is dated February 6 1970