Stapleford Fire Station

14/06/2026

Today marks nine years since the Grenfell Tower fire.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service join others across the country in remembering those who lost their lives, their family and friends, those who survived, and everyone affected by the tragedy.

💚

14/06/2026

I ended up in an online back‑and‑forth last night with someone who said we spend “too much time” on water safety.

They told me 200 accidental drownings “isn’t much” and that we should “focus on something else.”

Then came the question:
“All this for 200 people - is it worth it?”

Absolutely.

Because behind every number is a name, a family, a community.
If the work we do stops even one of those stories becoming a tragedy, then yes - it’s worth every second.

And that’s why I won’t stop.

13/06/2026

We’re casting a lifeline into Drowning Prevention Week - let’s reel in water safety together!

You can expect to see a lot of advice about this really important week as we start our summer wide campaign to stop accidental drownings.

Below is an old photo of Young Mitch Bowler practicing his Throw Line technique, we call it throw bagging for short.

13/06/2026

Really pleased to share this. Not only is Paul a good friend of ours - 25 years plus! - he is a fantastic advocate of Public Service and a brilliant historian of the fire service.

Paul, we are so proud of you and hope you enjoy this recognition! 🥇 👑

13/06/2026

Looking for something to do with the kids today?

👀 ⬇️ Long Eaton Fire Station are opening their doors with loads to do!

13/06/2026

Saturday mornings out in our communities!

The team are visiting people in their homes, offering safe and well visits, talking about safety in the home and where needed installing free smoke alarms.

If you need our help, there’s a little form to follow below and we could be in touch soon! 👀 ⬇️

www.safelincs.co.uk/hfsc

12/06/2026

⛔️ Try to avoid the area if you can ⛔️

| Derby Road in Ilkeston outside MFA Bowl is currently closed due to a road traffic collision.

The road will remain closed for some time and drivers are asked to avoid the area and take alternative routes.

12/06/2026

👀 ⬇️ Stapleford Town Football Club

12/06/2026

Not long to go!! We’ve got plenty of things happening next week and all over the summer.

Drowning prevention is a really important part of our calendar and we make no apologies for spamming your timelines.

Have a great day!

11/06/2026

Celebrating the Life of Sub Officer John “Higgy” Higton

A lovely celebration of John Higton’s life this afternoon.

John was our retired Sub Officer who served this community with dedication from 23rd August 1965 to 1st February 1990, first at Warren Avenue and later at our current home on Pinfold Lane.

His daughter Julie shared some wonderful memories:
giving the kiss of life to a child (that someone else took the credit for)… the old bell in the hallway that woke the neighbours when a shout came in… turning on every light in the house during a night-time response and leaving his wife to shut the front door… fire station discos… the bar… and the fire station family that stretched far beyond the watch and into the whole community.

It was lovely to see so many of our retired members, each with their own stories about John and the service. I’ll admit, standing in front of my three commanding officers from the last 28 years was a little intimidating - Sub Officer Pete Parks, Watch Manager Ray Burton, and our current leader Gary Fordham.

One thing really stood out today. John and his family shared a special bond - not just with the fire service, but with each other. They truly represent what it means to be a family: full of stories, memories, and love. It was an honour to spend that this time with them, celebrating John’s life. Reverend Paul Savage and Julie both spoke beautifully, giving us moments of laughter, reflection, and the occasional “something in my eye”.

Our ceremonial squad from the Retired Members Association looked impressive and impeccable - uniforms perfect, axes shining, not a crease or blemish out of place. We thank them for sending John on his final journey with such dignity.

Lee Hanstock, our retired members’ point of contact, summed it up perfectly:
“Staying in touch with John - or Higgy, as we know him - was important to us. His service and dedication were outstanding, and even in retirement he stayed connected, always making sure the standards and community impact remained. ‘When’s your car wash?’ he’d ask as he walked past the station on his way to church, making sure we had one planned soon! He’ll be remembered for years to come, and tonight on drill we’ll spend a few minutes thinking of him before getting on the yard and maintaining the high standards Higgy would have expected.”

A life well lived. A firefighter well remembered. A man well loved.

📸 ⬇️ A photo from our archives.