Retirement for firefighter who once '˜commandeered taxi' to Funland blaze

A retained firefighter at St Annes Fire Station has retired after serving the Fylde coast for over three decades.
Chief fire officer for Lancashire Chris Kenny (left), with retiring watch manager Dave LaverChief fire officer for Lancashire Chris Kenny (left), with retiring watch manager Dave Laver
Chief fire officer for Lancashire Chris Kenny (left), with retiring watch manager Dave Laver

Watch manager Dave Laver’s colleagues and friends gathered to give him a rousing send off yesterday evening after 31 years of service.

Mr Laver, who joined the service after meeting crews as part of his day job – working for Fylde Council on property regeneration schemes – said one of his most memorable moments came 25 years ago.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He and his crew had been called out to a major fire at Funland on the Promenade when their fire engine broke down on the way, a spokesman for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS).

Dave with his wife CarolynDave with his wife Carolyn
Dave with his wife Carolyn

“Dave commandeered a passing taxi,” he added. “The taxi driver got into the spirit of the moment and jumped red lights, saying he’d no need to stop with firefighters on board.

“Thankfully, they got to the incident in one piece and Dave’s first task was to approach the area manager to declare, ‘The taxi driver wants paying!’”

Dave is married to Carolyn and they have a daughter, Rebecca, and a son, Stewart. He enjoys watching Man Utd and playing golf and snooker.

Related topics: