'Adored' Leeds firefighter became determined in his role after death of two young girls in horrific blaze

This week, former firefighter Tony Firth was acknowledged at an award’s ceremony for the fire prevention work he has carried out over the last 15 years; winning the Outstanding Contribution Award at the National Fire Chiefs Council’s Celebrating Prevention Awards 2022.

The father of two and grandfather of seven joined West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) in 1977 and said that one incident in particular made him determined to focus on fire prevention.

“As a firefighter you are called out to some awful situations, but one that really affected me was in the 1990s”, said Tony. “It was an early morning call to a house fire. The fire had started in the children’s bedroom and I was one of the firefighters that went into the house wearing protective gear and breathing apparatus to save them.

"When we brought them out the two girls, aged two and five, weren’t alive.

"It was then I decided I would work as hard as I could to try and make sure this never happened again.”

Tony, who was born in Africa and has lived in Leeds since he was seven, retired from firefighting in 2003 after suffering hearing loss. However, he said he felt too young to retire and when a civilian job became available as a Fire Prevention Officer he snapped up the opportunity.

Since WYFRS started their Safe and Well visits in 2016 Tony has managed 5,942 high risk cases and performed 3,651 home high-risk intervention prevention visits. He has also safeguarded over 90 vulnerable and at-risk individuals.

Despite suffering with prostate cancer, Tony has consistently been the highest performing member of the prevention team.

“I love my job, especially the camaraderie of the team,” said Tony, who used to play semi-professional rugby in the Bradford Northern Rugby League. “I really enjoy working in the community – talking to people and helping them.

"It was about thirty years ago that I learnt basic sign language and that means I can help fit special alarms for deaf people. I joined the fire service 45 years ago, when I was 22, and I have no plans to retire.”

Tony said it was “fantastic” to receive the award, adding: ”It was an amazing night and one that I will always remember.

"However, the best part of the job for me is working at the fire station in Leeds and visiting people to make sure they are safe.”

On Thursday Tony attended a dinner at Hilton East Midlands Airport where delegates heard about the incredible work he’s carried out.

Naomi Hirst, Leeds district prevention manager for WYFRS, said Tony goes above and beyond in his work and is “adored by staff”.

“We nominated Tony for the award as he cares deeply about the prevention work we do and takes joy in helping people,” she said. “He continually goes above and beyond and is always the first to volunteer to pick up critical cases when others are on leave.

“Every day Tony shows passion, diligence, and a true belief in the purpose behind what we do.”