Tributes paid to the 'world’s oldest firefighter' from Newcastle as he sadly dies aged 109

A former Newcastle firefighter who was one of Britain's oldest men has sadly died at the age of 109.

World War Two veteran Joe Dixon passed away on Thursday, January 19, just two months after celebrating his birthday with crews from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS).

Joe served on the front line in Tyne and Wear for 27 years in what was formerly the Newcastle City Police and Fire Service before retiring back in 1964. At 109 years old, TWFRS said he was believed to be the world’s oldest firefighter and was enjoying retirement at Scarborough Court Care Home in Cramlington, Northumberland.

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Now tributes have been paid to Joe, who was a much-loved member of the North East firefighting and emergency service community.

TWFRS chief fire officer Chris Lowther said: “Joe Dixon was a credit to his family, friends, the community he served, and to everyone associated with the wider fire service. With almost three decades of service, Joe’s lasting legacy will ultimately act as an inspiration for the next generation of firefighters.

Joe Dixon celebrating his 100th birthday standing in front of a 1937 Leyland Cub fire engine at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service headquarters in Washington. (Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service)

“Even at the age of 109, he continued to be an ambassador for the fire and rescue service and his dedication and devotion will live on for years to come. He was a friend, a firefighter, a hero. We will never forget the sacrifices he made for our communities.”

Joe was born in 1913, in Walker, in the east end of Newcastle and worked at a butcher’s shop before deciding to become a firefighter in 1937. After working his way up through the ranks he eventually became a sub-officer before volunteering alongside three of his firefighter colleagues in 1943 to assist with the war efforts.

During the Second World War, Joe served in the RAF Bomber Command as a flight engineer and flew over 24 missions before returning to work as a firefighter when the war ended.

Joe Dixon, pictured second from the right, as a young man. (Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service)

Throughout his time in the fire service, Joe lived in the Newcastle city centre married quarters at Pilgrim Street with his wife Lydia, where they raised their two sons Robert and John and later enjoyed the company of four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

On his 100^th birthday, staff at TWFRS reunited him with a 1937 Leyland Cub fire engine, one of his first-ever fire appliances, at service headquarters in Washington. Up until the last few years, Joe regularly visited operational firefighters across the region to pass on his knowledge and expertise.

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