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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Kathryn Anderson

Fire chief who worked tirelessly for the people of Perth and Kinross retires

Perth and Kinross Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) group commander Ewan Baird has retired after more than 27 and a half years of service.

The group commander - who hails from Coupar Angus - worked "tirelessly" for the people of Perth and Kinross.

Councillors this month wished Ewan well in his retirement.

Perth and Kinross Council's Housing and Social Wellbeing Committee convener Tom McEwan took the opportunity to thank Ewan for his service when the committee met on Wednesday, September 7.

The SNP councillor added: "I wish him all the very best for the future."

The committee's previous conveners also passed on their best wishes.

Conservative councillor Bob Brawn said: "I would like to thank him for all his help during my time in tenure as convener."

Lib Dem councillor Peter Barrett added: "I wish Ewan all the best in his retirement."

Ewan retired from his position as group commander on August 31. He joined Tayside Fire Brigade back in February 1995.

After completing the "gruelling" four-month basic training course at the former Scottish Fire Service Training School in Gullane, East Lothian he was first stationed at Macalpine Road Fire Station in Dundee.

Ewan worked at various stations in Dundee as both a firefighter and crew manager.

Originally from Coupar Angus a spokesperson for the SFRS told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "Ewan jumped at the opportunity to progress his career by taking on a new role as a district liaison officer in his native East Perthshire, covering Blairgowrie and Strathmore area including Glenshee and Strathardle areas and worked for a number of years in this role.

"In 2012, he took over as station commander for Perth Fire Station and worked to ensure the implementation of a new Scottish Fire and Rescue Service was a seamless transition for staff and public alike.

"Since then Ewan has worked nationally at the SFRS headquarters in Cambuslang, being an integral part of the Prevention and Protection team implementing innovative national public safety programmes and responding to the challenges following the Grenfell Court fire.

"Latterly Ewan returned to take up the role as group commander with responsibility for Perth and Kinross and has worked tirelessly with partners in other services and local government to overcome the challenges of the pandemic and contribute to wider public safety across Perth and Kinross.

"Ewan leaves with the appreciation and good wishes of all his colleagues."

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