Wednesday 4^th May is International Firefighters’ Day, a day to celebrate the risks and the work that firefighters carry out daily to protect the general public. The dedication and sacrifice made by the men and women of the fire service is tremendous and often overlooked.

Firefighters' Day was originally created in 1999 following the death of five firefighters who lost their lives during an Australian wildfire. International Firefighters’ Day is celebrated on Saint Florian's Day. Saint Florian is said to be one of the first commanding firefighters of a Roman Battalion, Florian is the patron saint of firefighters.

We couldn't let this day go by without celebration our wonderful fire service, we wanted to let them know how grateful we are to have the peace of mind of knowing that they are there, ready to slide down the pole at a moment’s notice.

Helen organised for the local brigade to come along and have a chat with us about what they do and to show us around their engine. It was a brilliant afternoon.

We expected to sit and hear about their important work and to gain an insight into the dangers that they face every day, but we did all that and more. The guys pulled the engine into the car park and allowed each of us to take turns with the hose. I was quite taken aback by the power of the water.

As a child I wanted to be a fireman but sadly life took me on another path, I’m not disappointed, I’ve had a great life, but I have often wondered how it would have felt to be a fireman, hosing down buildings and riding in the engine and now, thanks to Timken Grange and our local fire service boys I know and I’m very grateful because I never thought I would.