This year marks 50 years of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service (CDDFRS) as we know it.
On April 1 1948, in the aftermath of the Second World War, a fire service covering the whole of County Durham was first established.
But it wasn’t until 1974 when a reorganisation brought Darlington into partnership with their Co Durham neighbours that County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service was officially created.
To mark the milestone year, the Service are planning a host of celebration activities and are on a mission to reunite firefighters, control and corporate staff past.
CDDFRS Chief Fire Officer, Steve Helps, said: “2024 is a big year for us as we mark 50 years since County Durham and Darlington joined together to make CDDFRS.
“As a Service, we’re committed to looking to the future as we strive to do the best for our communities.
“But we equally know and appreciate that we wouldn’t be where we are today without the dedicated service of the firefighters who came before us.
“As we celebrate this important 50-year milestone, we ask that former firefighters, control and staff from throughout the years get in touch to share their photographs and stories of fighting fires and keeping communities safe.”
The Service are particularly interested to hear from firefighters and staff who worked in stations in 1974 – particularly at Darlington Fire Station - at the time of the joining of services.
Firefighters and staff who worked on stations during this period, or their loved ones, are encouraged to get in touch with the Service ahead of celebrations to share their stories and photographs.
The 50th anniversary celebrations kick start on June 15th at Darlington Fire Station with a special Open Day taking place.
Former firefighters or their relatives get in touch by emailing comms@ddfire.gov.uk.
Photos show latest cohort of apprentice firefighters who joined in 2023 and a photo from our archives of firefighters past.
