I'd like to make comment about fire control staff - they're often the forgotten part of the fire service, firefighters are the public image of the brigade, everyone sees them responding to incidents etc, but not many people are aware of the good and important work fire control does.
Without them there simpy wouldn't be a fire service and lets face it when the firefighters amongst us come across something we arent sure how to deal with, if we need urgent assistance, or some info on a mysterious chemical, or be reminded of a certain brigade procedure - who do we turn to?.... fire control.
There is something very reassuring and comforting talking to a calm and rational voice at the end of a radio, and im sure any member of the public whom have had the misfortune to have to call the brigade out have been equally assured and comforted by the fire control operators voice at the end of the phone.
Many fire control operators have saved life by giving essential life saving advice to persons trapped or in trouble well before a fire engine has got to them.
I have the upmost respect for Fire Control Operators - they do a truly fantastic job.