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Retiring chief 'loved being a firefighter'

Stuart Hook Stuart Hook, dressed in a black fire chief uniform, stands in front of a fire engine. Stuart Hook
Stuart Hook has served Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service for almost 30 years

A retired fire chief, who left school with no qualifications, says he has "so much gratitude" for the almost 30 years he has spent in the service.

Former area manager Stuart Hook, 53, joined Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) in 1997.

Some of his notable responses have included the huge blaze at Scalesceugh Hall, near Carlisle, in 2019, and a "significant fire" at BAE Systems nuclear submarine shipyard in 2024.

Mr Hook, who lives in Penrith, said he "loved being a firefighter", adding: "You help people on one of their worst days and it's really rewarding."

He said his fire service career started in 1997, where he worked in Penrith, before he joined full-time in 2001 and was posted to Barrow.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service L-R Ashton Hook, Ellis Hook, Jennifer Hook, Stuart Hook and Tommy Seel. Tommy is presenting Stuart with a commemorative axe in front of a fire engine in a control room.Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service
Mr Hook was joined by his family when he was presented with a commemorative axe by area manager Tommy Seel

Mr Hook said he became a crew manager in 2010 and moved up to area manager in 2022.

"I left school without any qualifications so was unsure about promotion - but then I saw fellow colleagues getting promoted which inspired me."

"Every role I've had has been fantastic - I feel so much gratitude at becoming a firefighter."

He said one of his most rewarding achievements was assisting in a blaze at BAE Systems nuclear submarine shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness last year.

"Two people were taken to hospital but it was a successful outcome," he said.

Plume of smoke were spotted from the building in Barrow-in-Furness in October 2024

Another incident Mr Hook remembers is a huge fire at Scalesceugh Hall, near Carlisle, in September 2019.

"It was the first time I was instant commander at a major incident and felt in complete control with the trust of the crews. It went well," he added.

Stuart Hook Stuart Hook, dressed in a black fire chief uniform, stands in a seated audience in an office room. He has grey hair and is in mid conversation. He stands in front of two TV screens.Stuart Hook
Stuart Hook said every role he has had in the service "has been fantastic"

Of the challenges of being in the job, Mr Hook said that mental health was a "rising problem in the service".

"But maybe this is a good thing with people talking more about it," he added.

Mr Hook was presented with a commemorative axe in front of a "packed control room" on 12 December.

"I'm excited about retirement - I'm going to take some time out and not do a lot," he added.

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