Trevor Willams or ‘Trev the Egg’, as he is endearingly known by those that have served with him, has dedicated 40 years of his life to being an On-Call Firefighter and Watch Manager at Clun Fire Station.
He has spent four decades ‘juggling’ his firefighting career with his role as a partner in a family poultry farm business along with his homelife, what a massive achievement!
Trevor has enjoyed being a firefighter, he said:
“It has been a great experience, and it is a very rewarding job, although it has not always been easy. A huge thank you must go to all the family especially my wife Jacqui and two sons Ben and Zach, who without their support and understanding the role would have been impossible.”
The love for his family is apparent; not only through dedication towards the family farm business but in 2007 he donated his kidney to his son Zach who was born with chronic renal failure and is now leading a healthy life working on the farm.
As a young lad Trevor was encouraged to join by local firefighters, who spotted his potential when they were working on his parent’s farm and signed him up as soon as he turned 18.
Trevor is not one to shout about his successes, but he will be remembered in a professional capacity not just as an outstanding Firefighter but one who spearheaded change.
In 2004 Trevor took it upon himself to write directly to the then Chief Fire Officer Ian Kerr, who in turn took this to the Fire Authority, He wrote a detailed diary of his long working day highlighting the pressures of being an On-Call Firefighter. This influenced the ’Best Value Review’ the result of which, saw an £800,000 investment and the introduction of eight Retained Support Officers and XL cab appliances to single pump stations amongst other improvements to the Service. The Retained Review Project undoubtedly led to Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service being one of the best performing Brigades in the UK with regards to the on-call appliance availability. What a tremendous legacy!
Trevor said:
“One of the proudest moments as a Firefighter was when I was nominated for the ‘Spirit of the Fire Award’. My family and I were invited to Downing Street and met the then Prime Minister, Gordon Brown.”
Trevor’s heart is clearly in the community, he’s often seen helping at events, hanging up Christmas lights or bunting and putting out cones for one of the many festivals. He has also been active in raising copious amounts of money for charity. Trevor is proud of Clun Fire Station and its crew.
He said:
“In my time we have had a great team at Clun and have all done our best to ensure the safety of our local community, the on-call service is a unique example of local people helping and protecting their own community”.
Asked what he will be doing in this retirement;
“I am looking to spend more time on the golf course, and still be working in the family farm business”.
Trevor clearly has great respect from his fellow Clun Crew members as described by one;
“Trevor is a true gentleman who is like a fire brigade encyclopaedia. His fire service knowledge is outstanding, and he has passed this to generations of firefighters over his time.”
Rob Simcox the Assistant Group Commander - would like to extend a huge thank you to Trevor for his dedication and commitment to the service:
“He is a fine Firefighter and his presence at Clun Fire Station and within Shropshire Fire and Rescue will be hugely missed.”
Trevor added:
“I would like to say thank you to all those I have served with over the years for all their effort and commitment and if anyone else is interested in joining I would say it is a great way of giving something to your community.”
Want to know more about becoming an On-Call Firefighter visit https://www.shropshirefire.gov.uk/on-call
