'We knew we were in safe hands' - Tribute to retired Blackpool Fire Station commander who has died at 82
“He was a collegue, a higher rank than I was but he was a good friend.”
A greatly respected member of the firefighting community who commanded at Blackpool for 20 years, has died.
Dave Waywell, who lived in Bispham, passed away at the end of May at the age of 82.
He served as a firefighter for 30 years on the Fylde Coast and was also well known in running circles as a member of Wesham Running Club. He also organised sport an athletic events within the local fire service, well into his retirement and was often seen at the station.
Retired fireflighter Neil Morris who was a colleague for 16 years said he was an incredible firefighter, one of the old school bosses and everyone had the utmost respect for him.
He told how Dave had an ‘incredible knowledge of firefighting procedures’ and when you were out on a job with him, you knew your were in good hands.
“He was a collegue, a higher rank than I was but he was a good friend.”
Neil remembered Dave’s final shift that actually ended with a call out to Blackpool Tower.
“We’d done all the talking and congratultions, he was nearing the last few of hours of his career and then a call came to a fire at Blackpool Tower, of all places. There was a fire in the canteen and that was his last call.”
Dave was interviewed by local reporters, telling them: “This will be my last job. I’ve been with the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service for 30 years and Blackpool Tower is the perfect way to finish. And the staff carried out an extremely good evacuation.”
One of the most memorable and toughest jobs during Dave’s career was his involvement in a rescue at the top of Blackpool Tower when a worker had a heart attack.
It was an electrician who was part of a team replacing the lifts, so the only way to reach him was via an open staircase.
However, at the top of that, there was still 75m to reach the casualty. As a true professional and wanting to do everything in his capability, Dave scaled the remainder using a series of unprotected raking ladders, topped by a short spiral staircase. It was a sad end as the man passed away but Dave’s valiant efforts were praised on the pages of an in-house magaze.
He leaves partner Kath Hoyer, two children and grandchildren. His funeral takes place on Thursday June 11 at Carleton Crematorium.