A KINGTON firefighter who has been responding to emergencies for more than 40 years proved inspirational for his son, who has followed in his footsteps.

The fire service has always been a part of the life of on-call firefighter Liam Davies, 29. From an early age he remembered his dad, a firefighter based in Kington, being called out to attend incidents at all times of the day and night.

His dad, Andrew ‘Smokey’ Davies, 64, always hoped Liam would want to follow him and join the fire service, but it was actually a friend who was the catalyst to him joining Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service.

Liam said: “Dad has always been really passionate about the fire service, and a very positive influence on my life.

“Growing up, he tried to gently persuade me to join. However, it wasn’t until myself and a group of friends went away to a festival in Newquay that my decision was made.

“One of the group I was with was an on-call firefighter, and it was actually her enthusiasm and stories that persuaded me to join.”

Liam then started his on-call firefighting career at Kington, where he has now been for more than five years.

Both Liam and Andrew combine firefighting with a full-time job, with Liam working for BT and his father as a fire and security alarm technician with Mark Bishop Fire and Security in Bicton, near Leominster.

Andrew said: “I’m so proud to be working with my son, and that I’m able to pass on my 40 years of experience to him, as well as sharing new experiences together.

“However, I also learn from him as a different generation about how he approaches situations. When we’re at work family life is left at home and pure professionalism kicks in. All the crew is treated equally, knowing that we all have each other’s backs.”

The father and son duo were recognised last year by HWFRS when they were given the chief fire officer’s commendation for rescuing a mother and child during the February 2020 floods.

The firefighting bug has now spread to another generation of the Davies family too.

Liam’s nephew and Andrew’s grandson, two-year-old George, is obsessed with all things firefighter related and is a regular visitor to the fire station.

Andrew said: “He was bought a uniform and helmet last Xmas and he barely takes if off – he loves coming to the fire station.

"The first time he saw a real engine he was totally overwhelmed by the size and the loudness of the siren after playing with his little toy engines for such a long time.

"It’ll be a few years yet but we’re looking forward to welcoming him to our other fire family.”

On-call firefighters combine their roles with other careers, or roles at home, providing a vital service to the community in which they live and work.

Some work for local businesses, others are self-employed, while others are home-makers – but all enjoy the balance of their firefighter commitments with their other responsibilities, and the extra income too, knowing that they are saving lives.