Injured teen's honour at fire station opening

A BRAVE teenage boy was delighted to do the honours at the opening of a new multi-million pound fire station.
By Gareth Dennison
Published 4th Feb 2016, 12:11 BST
Updated 11th Jan 2017, 00:12 BST

Rotherham lad Joe Bowers suffered life-changing burns in a house fire when he was just 18 months old.

He has become a regular face at the National Emergency Services Museum in Sheffield and often visits fire stations in Rotherham. He was named Youth of Courage at the Spirit of Fire award 2015.

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The 16-year-old, who was back in hospital for his latest operation this week, joined Sheffield South East MP Clive Betts in opening the Parkway station.

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The £4 million facility aims to improve South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue’s service to new industrial and housing developments along the Parkway and collisions on the road itself.

James Courtney, South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue’s chief fire officer, said: “The financial pressures the fire and rescue service faces are both well documented and unprecedented. 

“But this fantastic new facility is the best possible physical reminder of the fact that despite the challenges we face we remain absolutely committed to supporting our future.”

  • Joe’s dad: How my son inspired me to become a fire service volunteer — pick up this week's Advertiser