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Former South Yorkshire firefighter and Paralympian opens fire station

Former firefighter and Paralympian

Former South Yorkshire firefighter and Paralympian opens fire station

Gavin Walker (38), a former firefighter and Paralympian who won gold at the Tokyo 2020 Games, has formally opened a new fire station.

Gavin won a gold medal for Team GB’s Wheelchair Rugby team this past summer. He took up the sport after receiving a spinal injury in 2010.

He gained many happy memories through working as a firefighter with South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue also, serving for seven years.

After several million pounds went into demolishing and reconstructing the last, 60-year-old fire station in August, Gavin has officially opened the new site on Broadway, Kingstone in Barnsley.

Gavin told SYFR: “When the Chief Fire Officer telephoned me to ask me to perform the official opening, it felt like a massive honour and an opportunity I was only too happy to accept.

“I’ve always loved the fire and rescue service and I have very fond memories of my time working for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue.

“Massive congratulations to everyone on completing this incredible new fire station, which I am sure will serve the people of Barnsley for many, many years to come.”

Chief Fire Officer Alex Johnson (Quality Fire Service Management) told SYFR: “A great many people and organisations have been involved in this project.

“All have done an incredible job in creating a bright, modern, energy-efficient building which provides a safe and comfortable environment for frontline firefighters to live and work in.

“One of our aspirations as a service is to be a great place to work and investing in our buildings is one of the many ways we are working towards achieving that vision.”

The new site aims to be energy efficient by using a low amount of energy as well as LED lighting with motion sensors and an air source heat pump.

The investment is reportedly part of a plan to invest in the fire service’s property estate.

£8 million will go towards modernising and improving the estate.

(Photo: South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue)

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Lauren joined the Gi Media team in August 2021.