FAMILY
It’s a fire family affair
A father and son have swapped their fire service
uniforms for academic caps and gowns after
graduating from the same course. Double
celebrations took place in the Harvey family as
Brian and Patrick received their fire engineering
degrees from the University of Central Lancashire
(UCLan).
“I have devoted most of my working life to the
Fire and Rescue Service,” said Brian. “I knew I had
a solid background in this field, but there was still
much to learn. I felt this degree course would give
me new knowledge, widen my horizons, deepen
my understanding and improve my professional
standing. It didn’t disappoint.”
Both men, from Trenewan in Cornwall, studied
part-time for their undergraduate degree while
working full-time for Devon and Somerset Fire
and Rescue Service. They travelled north four
times a year for two week study blocks, all with
the support of their employers.
He added: “In the short term I hope that I will get
the opportunity to apply my new skills at work,
particularly when new buildings with fire engineered
solutions are submitted for approval. In the long
term, and with so many opportunities available in
this field, who knows where this degree will lead
me.”
Fifty-seven year old Brian has worked for the Fire
Service for 38 years and is currently a Fire Safety
School Manager, for the fire services Training
Academy based in Plymouth. Patrick has been
a firefighter at Camels Head Fire Station, in
Plymouth, for five years.
Brian said: “I’m thrilled and excited to have
graduated, especially at the same time as my
son. As an ‘oldie’ I never thought I would ever
get a university education. I feel very lucky and
privileged to have had the opportunity. I would
encourage any person contemplating taking on
study later in life to put any doubts behind them
and give it a go. Age is no barrier; in fact it can
even be an advantage. It’s your attitude that
counts.”
Twenty-nine-year-old Patrick added: “For me this
all started when I was helping dad get his head
around some of the first year maths subjects.
Eventually I thought I might as well be doing this
for myself, so I did. Four years, plenty of books and
hours in front of the laptop later and I find myself
lucky enough to be able to graduate with the one
who started it all.
“I found the course to be a different every day. It’s
been fascinating, inspiring, thought provoking and
challenging but it’s been worthwhile. I believe I have
already benefited professionally and personally from
the information and experiences gained at UCLan
and believe it will be of great benefit throughout my
future career in the fire service.”
Father and son Brian
and Patrick Harvey
who have graduated
together from the fire
engineering course.
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Article provided by: Suzie Izzard
Public Relations (PR) Communications Officer
Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service