Castleford firefighter retires after three decades

For the past three decades, Mr Schofield, 49, has come to the aid of hundreds of people in need. But the watch commander at Castleford Station, also known for his jokes and wisecracks, has taken it all in his stride.

“The last thing I ever want is a pat on the back,” he said. “I’m just doing my job. But it is nice to be appreciated.”

Mr Schofield joined the fire service in Huddersfield in 1986 after five years in the army. He spent much of his career there as a firefighter, crew manager and watch manager, before moving across to Castleford in 2014.

He also spent time representing his colleagues in work for the Fire Brigade Union.

He said: “It has been the best part of my career being in charge down at Castleford and working with this team. They are all so professional.

““Working within such a big organisation, there is so much support and so many people around.

“But I have enjoyed the camaraderie and crack throughout my career.

“You do feel proud, because you do a very important job.”

Mr Schofield plans to use his retirement to spend more time with his son Isaac, 15. And he later hopes to join his father, also a former firefighter, abroad in Cyprus.

Debra Haskell, Castleford Fire Station clerk, said: “Daryl is very professional and has played a pivotal role in promoting the Fire Service to the wider community.

“He is also the main joker on station which is something he has been well known for throughout his career, which is always good to lighten the load on what can be a very stressful job.

“He has kept us all laughing even in the most difficult circumstances and will be missed.”