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Military veterans with a combined 55 years of service become firefighters at same Aberdeen station

Michael Rimmer and John Cairns are looking forward to getting started with their new careers.

Michael Reemer and John Cairns are now firefighters in Aberdeen. Image: Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.
Michael Reemer and John Cairns are now firefighters in Aberdeen. Image: Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.

Two veterans are flying high after successfully qualifying to become firefighters – landing jobs at the same station in Aberdeen.

Michael Rimmer, 56, worked as an aircraft engineer in the RAF for 31 years, while John Cairns, 43, served as a warrant officer in the army for 24 years.

The pair have now switched to serving the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service after completing their 12-week training and will be based at Aberdeen Central.

For Mr Rimmer, becoming a full-time firefighter has been a long-held ambition – and he is determined to prove you’re never too old to follow your dreams.

He said: “Just because you may be a bit on in years, it doesn’t mean you don’t have a lot to offer. Working alongside young people half my age was quite amusing, but we were all in it together and everyone was very supportive.

“I suppose there was a bit of a fatherly role involved. People did ask me for advice on ironing their shirts and polishing their shoes, but I loved the challenge and do wonder why I didn’t do this years ago.”

Originally from Carlisle, Mr Rimmer moved to Foyers in the Highlands in 2018 with his wife Alison.

Mr Cairns and Mr Rimmer will be based at Aberdeen Central Community Fire Station. Image: Chris Sumner/DC Thomson.

On-call firefighter

Shortly after moving north, he joined the fire service as an on-call firefighter, responding to emergencies via a pager system.

The couple then moved to Banchory last November, where he continued the role from his new hometown station.

In addition to his full-time firefighter position in the Granite City, Mr Rimmer intends to maintain his on-call role in Banchory.

He said: “There is an enormous sense of achievement involved with the on-call firefighter role.

“Responding to people who are in dire straits and doing everything you can to help them makes you proud to wear the badge. Becoming an on-call firefighter is something I would recommend to anyone.”

Best trainee

Meanwhile, Mr Cairns – who was recognised as best trainee – is also looking forward to getting started.

The 43-year-old from Lossiemouth said: “It is quite emotional, moving from the military after 24 years to the civilian world, but I already feel part of the SFRS family, so it makes it easier.

“The journey only starts when I get to the fire station, but I look forward to the learning and development over the next three years.”

The fire service’s head of training Bruce Farquharson said: “Both Michael and John show there is no one-size-fits-all approach to becoming a firefighter.”

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