Dave and Paul Minall were presented with their certificates by Chief Fire Officer Neil Odin at the station’s drill night on Wednesday, after the pair clocked up a combined service of almost 68 years.
Also set to depart is Dave’s wife Tanya who has cleaned the station since 2017.
Dave, a crew manager at the station, joined on the 3rd May 1990, with his brother Paul coming aboard two years later, after initially failing to meet the height requirements!
Both twins had long careers at the nearby Portals Paper Mill, and whilst on shift there, would respond to the neighbouring Overton Fire Station for call-outs.
Dave hit the headlines approximately 20 years ago after being stopped by police for speeding downhill on his push bike when en route to the fire station to respond to an incident.
Watch Manager Rich Scarth said:
“Dave and Paul are two of the nicest men you could ever meet.
“They have provided an incredible service to the community of Whitchurch, and have been valuable members of our team.
“Alongside Tanya, the Minall’s will be missed by all, and will always be welcome to pop in for a cup of tea.”
“On-call firefighters are required to balance their personal and work lives against their on-call responsibilities. To provide that service for that many years shows the dedication and commitment Dave and Paul have for our area and the people that live here.”
Firefighter Paul Minall said:
“It is a big part of your life, being an on-call firefighter, but I have thoroughly enjoyed it and have witnessed a great deal of change for the better over the years.
“The crew at Whitchurch have become a second family and got me through some tough times.
“Being in the fire service has been really interesting and I take away with me some incredible memories.”
One highlight Paul recalls fondly was when at a protracted incident a local restaurant was giving out meals to firefighters, only when Paul popped in for his, he was initially denied his food, as he was mistaken for his identical brother coming back for seconds!
Find out more about becoming an on-call firefighter at your local station.
