On-call firefighting twins set to retire after 68 years combined service

A set of identical twin brothers are retiring from their on-call firefighting roles at Whitchurch Fire Station in Hampshire, after clocking up almost 68 years of combined service.

Brothers Dave and Paul Minall were presented with certificates by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service Chief Fire Officer, Neil Odin, at the station’s drill night last week.

Also set to depart is Dave’s wife Tanya who has cleaned the station since 2017.

Dave, a crew manager at the station, joined on 3 May 1990, with his brother Paul coming aboard two years later, after initially failing to meet the height requirements.

Both twins had long careers at the nearby Portals Paper Mill, and whilst on shift there, would respond to the neighbouring Overton Fire Station for call-outs.

Dave hit the headlines approximately 20 years ago after being stopped by police for speeding downhill on his push bike when en route to the fire station to respond to an incident.

“It is a big part of your life, being an on-call firefighter, but I have thoroughly enjoyed it and have witnessed a great deal of change for the better over the years.

“The crew at Whitchurch have become a second family and got me through some tough times.

“Being in the fire service has been really interesting and I take away with me some incredible memories.”

Firefighter Paul Minall.

One highlight Paul recalls fondly was when at a protracted incident a local restaurant was giving out meals to firefighters, only when Paul popped in for his, he was initially denied his food, as he was mistaken for his identical brother coming back for seconds.

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