Fire chief thanks colleague for four decades of service to Londoners

25 February 2009

Mick Stonham, one of London Fire Brigade’s longest serving staff members has recently retired, after 44 years of service. Mick, who lives in Pinner, joined the Brigade in 1965 and has worked in a variety of roles, from firefighter, to station manager to senior fire safety officer. He has worked on some huge fires over the years, including one at the Tate and Lyle sugar factory and another in a mattress factory. He said “I remember that fire at the Staples mattress factory clearly as it happened on the morning my daughter was born – I was helping to put out a fire whilst my wife was giving birth!”

Since joining the Brigade Mick says a lot has changed: “The only thing that’s the same is the red paint on the fire engines. The equipment and uniform has vastly improved.”

Mick has enjoyed a long and varied career and will be sorry to leave after more than four decades in the Brigade: “I’d definitely do it all over again – it’s a great career. The camaraderie is the best thing about the job. I’ve worked with some great people and have made lots of friends over the years. I am sad to be leaving after all this time.”

London Fire Brigade Commissioner, Ron Dobson said: “Mick will be sorely missed by colleagues from across the Brigade. I would like to thank him on behalf of the Brigade and the people of London for his hard work and dedication. It’s people like Mick who have helped to make London a safer city for all. I wish him all the very best for the future.”

As well as working hard for the Brigade, Mick has played in a Salvation Army brass band for over fifty years and is involved with Marylebone Rotary Club. He hopes to get a few more rounds of golf in once he’s retired.

Mick’s career history:

• 31/08/65 Training period at Southwark Training Centre
• 18/12/65 Fireman at East Ham fire station
• 1969 Firefighter at Mill Hill fire station
• 1970 Firefighter at Park Royal fire station
• 1972 Firefighter at Northolt fire station
• 1973 Firefighter at Willesden fire station
• 1974 Southwark Training Centre Breathing Apparatus Instructor – promoted to senior role
• 1976 Barnet Sub Officer
• 1978 Staff Office as Sub Officer
• 1979 Southwark Training Centre as General Instructor – promoted to Station Officer
• 1984 Hornsey as Station Officer
• 1986 Finchley as Station Officer
• 1987 Westminster Fire Safety as Station Officer – Promoted to Assistant Divisional Officer (ADO)
• 1996 Retired after 31 years of service at ADO Team Leader level, Westminster
• 1996 Re-engaged as an Inspecting Officer at Barnet Borough Team
• 1998 Inspecting Officer at Westminster Borough
• 23/02/09 Last day of service

During Mick’s service he has attended some significant and demanding incidents including the Tate & Lyle sugar factory fire, a ship fire at the King George V Dock, a large fire at a timber yard in Rainham, a fire at Staples Mattresses 1973, Lea Valley Industrial Estate fire,1976, and the fire at the Shell Refinery (Tilbury) 1967 amongst others.

Notes to editors:

Mick is 65 and is married with a son, a daughter and two grandchildren.