A Canadian firefighter travelled over 3,000 miles to visit the Newcastle fire service where his Geordie grandad became a hero.
Rob Wilson, who is a serving firefighter with Thunder Bay Fire Rescue service in Ontario, made the journey to Tyneside where he met crews working at Newcastle Central Community Fire Station. The 47-year-old was joined by his partner Cassandra, and their daughter Brynn, five, on the trip as he retraced the footsteps of his late grandfather who inspired his career as a firefighter.
Rob's grandad, who is also called Robert Wilson, and great uncle, Harry Wilson, both served with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service at Pilgrim Street Fire Station in the city centre. Rob said seeing firefighters carrying his grandad's coffin at his funeral in 1993 inspired him to become a firefighter.
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“To see first-hand the camaraderie and outpouring of love, respect and teamwork was very emotional,” said Rob.
“It was there and then that I decided the destination of my future career. I was totally inspired by the sense of community shown to my family."
However, Rob's journey to emulate his grandad hasn’t been easy. It took him 16 years to be successful in joining the Canadian Fire Service but now he is a serving firefighter for Thunder Bay Fire Rescue where he has been for the past five years.
Rob was born in Toronto but grew up in Rothbury in Northumberland before his family returned to Canada more than 25 years ago.
His late grandad, Robert Wilson senior, joined the fire service in the early 1940s and went on to receive an OBE medal from Her Majesty The Queen for inventing the first fire ground communications in the region. During Robert's time at Pilgrim Street Fire Station, he used to live in the fire halls on Northumberland Street.
He retired from the service in 1971 and moved to Heddon-on-the-Wall but he taught fire prevention and awareness to the future generation of firefighters. Rob’s great uncle Harry Wilson also served in the brigade after the Second World War until 1976 and he passed away in August 2017.
“I thought it would be neat for us all to come along to the fire hall in Newcastle and reminisce about old times," Rob said.
“I like to think that the spirits of my grandfather and great uncle still live on in the workings of the fire service even to this day.
“The makeup of the fire stations and trucks have changed quite a lot since I first visited the stations when I was a kid. It was great to meet some of the firefighters and swap stories about the different fire services in Canada and England.
“It has been nice to come back to where I call home and take a look around. This was an extra special time for my family as this was their first visit to Newcastle.
“It was amazing to absorb the social and profession cultures, and get a chance to get amongst it all.”
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) said they were delighted to welcome Rob and his family to Newcastle Central Community Fire Station.
Ian Stewart, TWFRS service delivery station manager based at Newcastle Central Community Fire Station, said: “It was our pleasure to welcome and host Rob and his family at Newcastle Central Community Fire Station. We had a great time chatting about when his grandad and uncle were serving in Newcastle.
“It’s always fascinating to speak with fellow firefighters who ply their trade in different countries. What always shines through is people’s desire to help others and put the safety of the community they serve before anything else.
“We wish Rob and his family a healthy and happy future, and they are welcome back here at the station anytime for a brew.”
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