Washington firefighter who campaigned for water safety retires

A firefighter who has been campaigning for water safety in memory of his son is retiring after 24 years.

Dave Irwin has raised thousands of pounds for water safety equipment after his son Ross drowned.

The firefighter, 50, said he would never forget the support of his colleagues following the tragic event.

Dale Howey, from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS), said Dave’s legacy would “continue to save lives for years to come”.

On 23 December 2016, Dave lost his son Ross when he drowned in the River Wear in Fatfield, Washington following a night out.

It was believed that the 22-year-old lost his footing on the water’s edge along the river bank – after telling friends he was going to get a taxi home.

Dave has been campaigning for water safety in recent years, raising more than £3,000 for water safety equipment during a sponsored walk at Scafell Pike in the Lake District.

He helped to oversee the installation of life-saving throwline equipment along the stretch of the River Wear where Ross lost his life.

Dave, who also has a 19-year-old son, said he was “extremely proud” of what had been achieved and would continue to support water safety campaigns.

He added: “Hindsight is a wonderful thing but there’s never a day goes by when I don’t ask myself ‘what if?’

“What if Ross hadn’t slipped and ended up in the water? But as I don’t have a magic wand, I can’t turn back time.”

Dave, from Washington, most recently served as a crew manager with Red Watch at Birtley Community Fire Station.

He joined TWFRS in 2000, having previously worked as a firefighter in the Royal Air Force at RAF Scampton and Newcastle Airport.

“It feels quite surreal at the moment knowing that I’m leaving a role that has played such a big part in my life,” Dave said.

“It has been thoroughly enjoyable serving the people of Tyne and Wear, and I can honestly say that I’ve made some life-long friendships along the way.

“But it has been the support from fellow firefighters towards myself and my family after Ross’s death that I will never forget, as they have been unbelievable.”

Dale Howey, head of learning and development at TWFRS, said: “When a firefighter retires, we like to look back and celebrate their achievements, and in Dave’s case, he is leaving us with a lasting legacy that will continue to save lives for years to come.”