Donald joined the AFS prior to the 2nd World War and on outbreak was transferred to NFS where he served until hostilities ended and he became a wholetime fireman at Gibbet Street fire stn in Halifax County Borough. He rose through the ranks during his career having started out as a Fm/brigade painter. He moved from Gibbet St stn to the new out station at Illingworth where he took charge as Station Officer and lived with his family in the newly built fire service houses next to the station on Keighley Road. He retired after 28 years in 1967 and in retirement enjoyed attending the newly formed Fire Brigade Pensioners Association (now NARF). His son John joined him into the service in Halifax in late 1963 remaining until his own retirement in 1997. Donald was known as a fair and firm officer who would not expect others to do anything he could not. Always punctual and smart he used to ride to Halifax on a push bike after he moved to Illingworth until eventually he aquired transport in the form of an A35 van! A relatively short (in stature) man who always used to tell new recruits they had worn him down to this size!
Added by: John Cowie on 12 June 2009.
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Every year, thousands of fire fighters are injured whilst protecting the public. Every 30 seconds in the UK, fire fighters are called to an incident, putting their lives on the line, and often sustaining physical injuries whilst carrying out their duties. The Fire Fighters Charity is here for fire fighters during their times of need, and assists thousands of individuals every year, by providing pioneering treatment and support services.