Colin Rockey honoured by Queen's Fire Service Award
Colin Rockey, Head of Special Operations Team tells in his own words about his career within Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service and the honour of receiving the Queens Fire Service Award.
"I joined the fire service 30 years ago on 12th September 1983, before this my career had been very varied. I started out as a civil engineering draughtsmen then I became an MOD apprentice in Devonport dockyards as a mechanical fitter before becoming a British telecom engineer.
"I used to play junior rugby for Plympton and senior rugby for Plymouth Albion, but my rugby career ended when I joined the fire and rescue service due to injuries. I then had to decide if I was going to be a rugby player or firefighter. Thankfully I choose the fire service.
"I’ve served on most of the Plymouth fire stations, with a brief secondment into training. As a flexi duty officer I was part of the project term for the Plymouth fire boat, where my experience from working in the dockyard with marine engineering came into its own.
"In 2003 I had the opportunity to work from the services headquarters based outside Exeter. I was tasked with setting up the Urban Search & Rescue Team which was then part of the New Dimensions programme, this is now part of National Resilience.
"I was also the New Dimensions assistance planner for the South West. New Dimensions was originally spilt into four sections: Mass Decontamination, Urban Search and Rescue, High Volume Pumping and Enhance Logistics Support, all of which were part of my remit. When the temporary Urban Search & Rescue Team became permanent, the department changed its name to the Special Operations Team and I transferred across to them as the Head of Special Operations.
"I’ve enjoyed every minute of my career and I remember my training officer at Plympton on the first morning in his welcoming speech said: 'Gentlemen you will never ever have the Monday morning feeling following a career in the Fire Service.' How right he was!
"There have been many ups and some downs. The down sides were when we’ve attended incidents and been too late to help or save a life. Equally there has been a lot of very rewarding incidents where we’ve done what we’re trained to do.
"The Special Operations Team is a very different environment to work in but still based on fire service traditions of helping people in their times of need. We are here to support and assist our colleagues riding front line appliances and are very much a second tier response to help them to solve some of the bigger issues they face.
"With my career I’ve been very fortunate to travel all over the world on training courses and seminars, I’ve been to the USA, Kuala Lumpur, France and Belgium. I believe you never stop learning; even now I still go to incidents and face new challenges even after 30 years of service.
"After receiving the award, I will be retiring. I will miss the service, but it’s time for new pastures. Everyone asks me if I’ll be bored, and the answer is ‘no’. I plan to enjoy myself. I have lots of outside interests, my wife and I walk a lot and many friends I’ve worked with have retired so we’ll be walking with them and enjoying a few pub lunches. I’ll have time to enjoy the grandchildren and travel for several months at a time visiting family all over the world.
"I also enjoy model making, drawing and water colours and lots of DIY projects. I’m still a strong rugby follower and most weekends I can be found supporting the Exeter Chiefs. For the last 30 years the service has come first – which has been my personal choice, but now it time for family to come first.
"I’m very humbled to have received the Queen's Fire Service Award, people have asked me if I knew I was being nominated and I didn’t. A letter arrived to my home and for once in my career I was totally speechless… for quite a time. The first thing the wife said was ‘I need a new outfit’.
"It’s important that I’ve been honoured by my peer group and I’ve received numerous letters, emails and texts saying congratulations, which I’d like to thank everyone for. I don’t see my last day as a sad one, but leading to another challenge in life. I wish everyone in the service well. It’s a great way to end my career."
Lee Howell, Chief Fire Officer said: “I am delighted that Group Manager Colin Rockey has been awarded a Queen's Fire Service Medal in this year’s New Year’s Honours list. Colin has worked tirelessly to develop special operations into a world class facility and the capability he and his team provide are respected nationally. His award recognises the valuable contribution he made to a 'safe and secure' 2012 Olympic Games, specifically at the sailing events in Dorset.”
