A NORTH-EAST fire chief, who followed in his father’s footsteps by devoting 30 years to the service, has been “showered” with tributes tonight following his retirement.
Stuart Errington was the first recruit in the history of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service to progress through the internal ranks from firefighter to Chief Fire Officer.
He spent his last day today, serving on a Peterlee fire appliance, alongside his 19-year-old son Alex, who recently became the third generation of the family to join the service.
The shift ended with Stuart being surprised by a large gathering of family, friends, colleagues, before firefighters ambushed him and soaked him with buckets of water.
In an emotional speech, he paid tribute to his wife, Julia, along with his parents, Eddie and Carole, and said his proudest moment had been seeing Alex pass out as a firefighter.
He added: “It’s been an unbelievable ride and, although there have been lots of challenges along the way, I’ve enjoyed every minute. I wish the service the best of luck for the future and thank you for the memories.”
Stuart’s father, Eddie, was a County Durham firefighter for 32 years, and Stuart joined the service on January 11, 1993, starting at Newton Aycliffe, but serving mainly at Consett. He rose to Assistant Chief Fire Officer in 2009, Deputy Chief Fire Officer in 2012, and Chief Fire Officer in August 2015. He received the Queen’s Fire Service Medal in The Queen’s New Year Honours List last year.
Steve Helps, his successor as Chief Fire Officer, led the tributes, saying: “Over Stuart’s time as a principal officer, we have seen a new training centre, new fire stations, quality vehicles, and fire kit all a far cry from what was available 30 years ago.
“Having this vision has enabled County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service to become one of the most productive and proud fire and rescue services in the country.”
In a letter, Sue Snowdon, the Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, said there was no doubt that the service had thrived under Stuart’s leadership.
“Thank you for commitment, dedication, and hard work – you’ve made a huge, tangible difference,” she wrote.
Stuart’s father, Eddie, said: “We’re just extremely proud of everything he’s achieved in his career, and Alex joining the service has been the icing on the cake.”
Alex added: “Throughout my life, I’ve seen how dedicated my Dad has been to the service. Now I’m experiencing what a great career it is, and I’m proud to be continuing the family tradition.”
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