dronfield EYE
Mick’s 50-year duty C
Five decades a fireman, Mick Mottram has retired from South Yorkshire Fire &Rescue
OMPLETING 50 years in any job is an impressive achievement, but even more so when you’re South
Yorkshire Fire and Rescue’s longest serving employee. Dronfield’s Mick Mottram, 69, is saying goodbye after racking up an amazing half-a-century of dedication to the fire service. Originally joining the Sheffield Fire Brigade as a firefighter in 1962, Mick, of Gosforth Crescent, served on the frontline until 1995, when he retired from operational duties to become South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue’s equipment officer. Since then, Mick has been at the forefront of the service’s technological modernisation and has influenced a number of major improvements to
Mick with son Jonathan, and the crew from Mansfield Road Blue Watch
firefighting equipment, which has made the kit more effective and enhanced firefighter safety. Although Mick has now retired, his son, Jonathan, continues his legacy at SYFR as he is a firefighter with Mansfield Road Blue Watch. Ending his career as Technical Services Manager, Mick said: “I have enjoyed my career immensely, both my time as a firefighter and more recently working in Technical Services, and I have been so busy that I’ve never really given retirement much thought.
“I am proud of my achievements. Not just the longevity of service, but the improvements we have made in that time. In terms of the technology we have in South Yorkshire now, we really are up there with the best.
“I will be saying goodbye to some dear friends and colleagues, but I have my wife, children and grandchildren, as well as my caravan and Harley Davidson, waiting for me to enjoy plenty of holidays.”
The early days: Mick (top left) training in Gipton, 1962
During his 32-year operational career, Mick served at Division Street, Mansfield Road, Wellington Street and Lowedges Stations. As Technical Services Manager, he has overseen the introduction of gas-tight chemical protection suits for firefighters, mask radios and voice amplification on breathing apparatus sets so fire crews can communicate with each other inside buildings.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Neil Hessell added:
“It is almost unheard of nowadays for someone to complete 50 years of service at the same organisation, so Mick’s achievement is remarkable. His knowledge and expertise have been invaluable to our organisation and he has been at the forefront of many safety-critical improvements we have made. “You will not find a more popular member of staff than Mick and he truly deserves a long and happy retirement.” In 1980 Mick was awarded a Chief Fire Officer’s Commendation for rescuing a man from Sheffield’s River Don and at the SYFR awards in 2009 he won the award for Outstanding Support to Service Delivery after being nominated by his colleagues.
Cup competition’s donation to Special Care Baby Unit
Teams from Dronfield Woodhouse, Coal Aston, Holmesfield, Apperknowle, Hundall and Ridgeway took part in the tournament, alongside groups from Dronfield Free Church, Padley & Venables and Old Dronfieldians. Having taken place without a break for 60 years, the competition is held in memory of Richard Butcher’s father, Arthur, who died suddenly in 1951. Said Jean Wells: “It is quite an achievement and a tribute to Richard Butcher to keep this competition going for such a long time.” Until five years ago, the money raised at the cricket matches was donated to the Mayor’s charity, but recently members have nominated local charities.”
A 14 dronfield EYE
Right: Neonatal Matron, Lynn Elliott, accepts the cheque from Lois Butcher, Richard Butcher and Jean Wells
S the Arthur Butcher Cup celebrates its own diamond jubilee, local cricketers helped to raise £250 for the Special Care Baby Unit at Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Royal Hospital.
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