Appeal to find firefighters from 1974 as fire service prepares to mark 50 years

An appeal has been made to find firefighters from 1974, as  County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) prepare events to mark its 50-year milestone.

On April 1, 1948, in the aftermath of the Second World War, a fire service covering the whole of County Durham was first established.

But it wasn’t until 1974 when a reorganisation brought Darlington into partnership with their County Durham neighbours that County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service was officially created.

A photo from the fire service archive of firefighters of days past (Image: CDDFRS)

To mark the milestone year, the Service is planning a host of celebration activities and are on a mission to reunite firefighters, control and corporate staff past.

CDDFRS Chief Fire Officer, Steve Helps, said: “2024 is a big year for us as we mark 50 years since County Durham and Darlington joined together to make CDDFRS.

“As a service, we’re committed to looking to the future as we strive to do the best for our communities.

The 2023 cohort of firefighters at County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (Image: CDDFRS)

“But we equally know and appreciate that we wouldn’t be where we are today without the dedicated service of the firefighters who came before us.

“As we celebrate this important 50-year milestone, we ask that former firefighters, control and staff from throughout the years get in touch to share their photographs and stories of fighting fires and keeping communities safe.”

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The service is interested in hearing from firefighters and staff who worked in stations in 1974 – particularly at Darlington Fire Station - at the time of the joining of services.

Firefighters and staff who worked on stations during this period, or their loved ones, are encouraged to get in touch with the Service ahead of celebrations to share their stories and photographs.

The 50th-anniversary celebrations kick start on June 15 at Darlington Fire Station with a special Open Day taking place.

Former firefighters or their relatives can get in touch by emailing comms@ddfire.gov.uk.