Watch Commander celebrates milestone with service after following in dad’s footsteps
Colin Hutcheson, Watch Commander at Tillicoultry Community Fire Station, is celebrating 40 years of service.
Joining the service in 1984, Colin has worked his way up to his current rank of Watch Commander after following in the footsteps of his dad, who was one of the founding crew members of Tillicoultry Community Fire Station in 1967.
The 58-year-old dad of two has been responding to on call emergencies for the last four decades, providing an emergency response to his local area and support to staff throughout.
Prior to taking on the on call Support Watch Commander position six years ago, Watch Commander Hutcheson ran his own car body repair business. He was delighted to accept the promotion from being an on call Firefighter, allowing him to use his years of experience to further support stations and management teams throughout Clackmannanshire, Stirling and Fife.
At a recent presentation to celebrate the milestone, his dad, family and colleagues were there to see him receive gifts to celebrate the occasion.
Reflecting on his milestone, Watch Commander Hutcheson, said: “I've absolutely no idea where the past forty years have gone, they've just flown by.
“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has evolved and improved to be almost unrecognisable from when I joined as an 18-year-old, but the core ethos of helping people in need still remains the same.
“I thoroughly enjoy my role and the challenges it brings. Many thanks must go to all my colleagues past and present who have made my time so enjoyable and also to my family who support and enable me to fulfil this role.”
Station Commander Russell Hammell said: “When reflecting on the last 40 years, it’s amazing the changes that have happened in the world, but Colin has been there all that time, providing care and support to his community when most needed.
“He is too modest to say, but he is a legend.”