A Devon firefighter who had to have part of his right leg amputated following a serious accident has rejoined Devon Fire and Rescue Service on full operational duties.

Shaun Parker, of Bovey Tracey, has become the first amputee firefighter to return to full operational duties, four-and-a-half years after he last rode on a fire appliance.

Shaun, aged 37, had been a firefighter working the Retained Duty System (RDS) at Bovey Tracey for ten years when he suffered an industrial injury in 2001. The injury was so severe that he had to have his right leg amputated below the knee.

After working for the Service for a period of time in the community safety department, Shaun was retired on ill health in 2003. Shaun was at the time and still is a member of the Retained Firefighters Union (RFU) who supported Shaun in his determination in returning to full operational duty and, following the introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act 2005, he re-applied to join the Service.

He had to re-take the basic training course at the Service Training Centre in Plympton and has recently re-joined his former team-mates at Bovey Tracey on operational duty.

Shaun said: “I was determined to get back on the appliance. When something like this happens, you can’t stay at home and think about it, you have got to get on with life. I’ve got a family and two young kids and had to keep going.”

Shaun had to take the same assessments as the other trainee firefighters on the course, including wearing breathing apparatus, climbing up and down ladders and carrying a casualty on his back.

“Quote from the RFU”

His artificial leg has been tested to withstand heat of between 60 and 300 degrees Celsius and can withstand a weight of 365kgs. It has been fitted with a locking device as an additional safety precaution.

“One of the trainers on the course said he could not tell the difference between what I could do and the other people on the course,” said Shaun.

“I am chuffed to bits to come back and the lads at Bovey gave me a great welcome on my first drill night back at the station. I am raring to go.”

Chief Fire Officer Paul Young said: “Shaun’s determination and commitment to return to operational duties is an example to us all. His remarkable recovery from a horrific accident is testament to his dedication and hard work.

“This is not about a disability but is about Shaun’s ability to work as a firefighter. As a Service, we encouraged Shaun through the training course whilst ensuring that he was fully capable of returning to duty for the safety of himself, the crew and the public.”

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