A long-serving fireman is retiring after 34 years of service but says he would “do it all again.”

Steve Patterson retired from Eynsham Fire Service today, on his 55th birthday, as the longest-serving retained firefighter ever to work in Eynsham station.

Mr Patterson said: “I’ve been on call since I was 18.

“I’m sad to be leaving the service. I’ll miss going out on the engine and helping people out.

“I’ll miss all the people at the station too, but it’s nice to have the freedom now to spend time with the kids.

“I’ve also just bought a new road bike and I’m looking forward to taking some trips out on that.”

Mr Patterson has been on call since he was 18, and said he joined because the fire service was exciting.

He added: “We get to run into buildings when others are running out of them, we get to save people.

“There are not many jobs that allow people to do that. It’s very rewarding.

“I was always into sports as a young man, and in keeping fit the fire service seemed like a natural progression.

Mr Patterson was known within the Eynsham branch as being a great mentor for new recruits, offering a depth of knowledge and years of experience.

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He said: “My advice to young people who are thinking about joining the service is: do it.”

“If you’re fit and healthy, and you want to help the community then there’s no better job.

“You get to work with great people, and the sense of teamwork is unparalleled. Everyday we get to make a positive difference to people’s lives.

“For those who are new to the service I would simply say that everyday is a learning day.

“I was still learning on the job even days before I retired – just be keen to learn.”

Eynsham Fire team threw a leaving do for Mr Patterson a couple of weeks ago, and knowing he likes to cook they gave him vouchers for John Lewis, where he bought a new set of pots and pans.

They also gave him an engraved glass.

On whether it has been time well served, Mr Patterson said: “Definitely. It’s been a big sacrifice for me and my family, but if I could do it all again I would.

“In this job you get to save people’s lives. You see people at their worst, and you get to help them feel better.

“You can’t put a price on that sort of experience. That person might not be alive today.”

This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1

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