Croydon fire fighter, Stephen Rose was awarded a medal for 20 years long service and good conduct with the London Fire Brigade.
The medal was presented to the fire fighter by deputy commissioner Roy Bishop on May 28, during a ceremony in London attended by his wife Jennifer and daughters Emma and Jo.
Mr Rose joined the London Fire Brigade in 1981 and was posted to Purley Fire Station but finding Purley life too quiet, he transferred to Croydon in 1983 where he has served ever since.
The fireman is affectionately known as Victor after TV character Victor Meldrew because as colleague Geoff Mellett confesses: "He does like a good old moan."
Fire fighter Rose once had a close call with nature, when while attending a fire in Coombe Woods he was attacked by a swarm of bees.
Officer Rose's other close calls include rescuing a guinea pig named Tufty, who showed his appreciation by biting him.
He said: "It's a great job, no two days are the same."
Mr Rose says he is looking forward to retirement in 10 years time to concentrate on his steam train hobby at Kent's Tonbridge Park, where can be seen driving the steam engines.
July 10, 2002 11:00
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