London Fire Brigade legends celebrate 150 years of combined service as three veterans each hit the incredible 50-year milestone protecting the capital.
Clive Robinson: From Wool Tunics to Wildfires
Station Commander Clive Robinson, one of the Brigade’s longest-serving firefighters, is bowing out after five decades on the frontline. Starting at just 18 in the 1970s for 80p an hour—double his supermarket wage—Clive’s career has seen it all.
“We brought the man outside – he wasn’t conscious or breathing. His prognosis was not good. A month or so later, we met his sister in a pub. She told us he survived. That was the best feeling in the world.”
From the IRA bombings on Oxford Street in the ’70s to the searing wildfires in Wennington and Dagenham last year, Clive has ridden every wave of London’s emergencies. He’s also witnessed a complete gear revolution – swapping heavy, soaked wool tunics and cork helmets for cutting-edge protective kits.
“Getting rid of the wool tunics was a big change. They’d been used since 1866. They were heavy when wet and I was glad to see them go!”
Clive has also seen the Brigade evolve culturally—with women joining the frontline and a push towards a diverse, inclusive service.
Steve Wood: Fire Investigator Extraordinaire
Fire Safety Officer Steve Wood started at Islington Fire Station and carved out a niche in fire investigation – a role he’s held for 14 years. Now retiring from the Central Regulatory Enforcement Group, which he helped set up, Steve recalls his proudest moments rescuing lives.
“The house was unstable, and we worked in dangerous conditions. We saved her life. That night showed what teamwork can achieve.”
That rescue came during the brutal 1987 Great Storm. For Steve, the people he worked alongside kept him going strong across five decades.
“Every day you do something you love is not work. I’ve made lifelong friends here, and that’s a big reason why I stayed so long.”
Ray Pheasant: Living a Lifelong Dream
Fire Inspector Ray Pheasant, still part-time at 71, began his Brigade journey in August 1974. He’s served as station manager in Clerkenwell, Enfield, and Ilford and responded to some of the capital’s darkest hours.
Ray was at the scene of the horrific Kings Cross fire in 1987—one of the Tube’s deadliest disasters. After 33 years on the frontline, he shifted focus to fire safety, concentrating on high-rise blocks in east London.
“At school, I dreamt about being a firefighter. I’m proud of my career. It’s not always easy, but knowing you’ve helped someone is the greatest reward.”
Legends of the London Fire Brigade
These three remarkable men embody the spirit, courage, and relentless dedication of the London Fire Brigade. Between them, they’ve saved countless lives, shaped safety policy, and inspired the next generation of firefighters.
Their 150 years of collective service stand as a lasting legacy, a testament to those who fight fires, face danger head-on, and protect London’s communities around the clock.
