Sid calls full time on firie career

FOR 31 years, Maroochydores Sid Page has been helping people escape mangled car wrecks as a fireman, so it was a bit embarrassing when days after announcing retirement he should find himself a victim

By KATHY SUNDSTROM FOR 31 years, Maroochydores Sid Page has been helping people escape mangled car wrecks as a fireman, so it was a bit embarrassing when days after announcing retirement he should find himself a victim.

Mr Page was on his way to his basketball coaching role on Tuesday when a car careered into the back of his vehicle and sent it off the side of the road.

I knew I wouldnt be able to get out so I called the fire and rescue service and ironically I got the guys on my old shift who had to come and help rescue me, said Mr Page.

As one of Maroochydores longest-serving fireman with 31 years service in the local station and 40 years in the fire service all-up, making the decision to hang up his helmet was not easy.

It wasnt something I relished doing, but I knew I was getting on and didnt want to put the rest of my team at risk.

Firies work as a team so we all need to be in top shape, he said.

With his 62nd birthday only a few months away, Mr Page knew the time had come, but he didnt really have the guts to tell his colleagues.

I didnt want them to make a fuss, so Ive sort of gone on leave and on retirement and got out quickly.

The Fire Service has changed substantially in the 40 years Mr Page has been involved.

When I started it wasnt a great-paying profession, I think I got about a pound a week, but it improved over time, he said.

But any spare time will he might enjoy, will be snapped up by his beloved basketball.

Originally published as Sid calls full time on firie career