A FIREFIGHTER who has worked with thousands of school pupils in North Ayrshire and inspired them to learn has retired from his role.

Paul Baker engaged with 11,600 students as Schools’ Liaison Officer for Garnock Academy, Kilbirnie and its feeder primary schools since being appointed to the role in 2008.

The Liaison programme was funded by North Ayrshire Council and was aimed at delivering key fire safety messages in line with the National Curriculum for Excellence.

He encouraged pupils to take part in SFRS initiatives that increased their skills and awareness in a relaxed and safe environment.

These included the Fire Reach course where pupils worked together as a team in firefighting training drills – promoting self-discipline, confidence and a positive attitude to learning.

Paul also encouraged students to get involved in the Fire Setter Intervention programme to raise awareness of the consequences of deliberate fire raising and other fire related anti-social behaviour

And the Cut It Out initiative allowed children to play the roles of various emergency services after a ‘car crash’ in a safe environment – reinforcing key safety messages.

Paul, who is based at Kilwinning Community Fire Station, also built positive relationships with staff and campus police officers.

He stepped down as Schools Liaison Officer on Thursday, 31 March and will formally retire from SFRS in September after 30 years of service.

James Scott, the SFRS Local Senior Officer for East, North and South Ayrshire, said: “The role of Schools Liaison Officer is an important one as it gives us the opportunity to engage with young people in a positive way whilst promoting responsible citizenship and highlighting the risks that fire can pose within communities.

“It also allows us to convey other key safety messages such as road safety, all of which are designed to support Scottish Fire and Rescue’s local fire and rescue plan and the Council’s Safer North Ayrshire aspirations.

“With knowledge and experience built up over many years, Paul has put this to effective use to educate our young people and his contribution to this has been invaluable and we are grateful to North Ayrshire Council and Police Scotland for their support.”

Albert Bruce is SFRS deputy head of prevention and protection in Ayrshire.

He said: “I would just like to take this opportunity to thank the schools staff, North Ayrshire Council, Police Scotland, the pupils and, of course, Paul who has engaged with over 11,600 pupils during this period.”

Garnock Academy Head Teacher Alan Dick said: “Paul has been a real asset and support over the years and his input has been invaluable.

“He has not only been a massive help but also a reassuring presence to me and all the staff.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Paul for his hard work and wish him well on his retirement.

“He will be sorely missed by us all.”