A POPULAR firefighter hung up his uniform in 2007 after an impressive 30 years’ service.

John Lonergan, 53, finished his last shift and said goodbye to his colleagues.

The dad-of-two handed over the baton to his youngest son David, 26, who had recently signed up to the fire service himself.

During his career, John enjoyed some exciting high points, including representing the fire service at the Queen’s Garden Party.

He said: “I joined the fire service on Friday, November 11, 1977, and went to pick up all my issue kit only to be told that a national strike was starting on Monday, November 14.

“I sat at home for nine weeks until the strike ended and then started a 14-week training course.”

John was based in Renfrew for 13 years as watch manager.

He said: “A high point in my 30 years’ service was to be nominated by my Chief Officer to represent Strathclyde Fire and Rescue at Her Majesty’s Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on July 4, 1996.

“I was very proud to be at this special occasion, representing the firefighters of Strathclyde.”

ENDS

John ran the Glasgow half-marathon in his full firefighting uniform with friend and colleague Graham Russell, from Pollok fire station.

The pair raised around £1,000, which was split between Marie Curie Cancer Care, the Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Widows and Orphans Fund, the National Service’s Benevolent Fund and Assissi House.