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Fire service hero 'chuffed' to receive honour

Glasgow City Council Jim Burns Smith - a man who is mostly bald, wearing a dark suit and a red tie collects his empire medal from the lord provost Jacqueline McLaren, who is wearing a blue top and blue jacket with a large gold medallion around her neck. Jim's wife Grace is also in the picture, wearing a white top and black skirt or trousers. Glasgow City Council
Jim Burns Smith contributed to the Scottish Fire Service for six decades

A stalwart of Scotland's fire and rescue community has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for six decades of service.

James (Jim) Burns Smith joined the Glasgow Fire Brigade in 1962, aged 20, and spent years battling major blazes across the city, including the fatal factory fire at James Watt Street in 1968 that killed 22 people.

He later developed a historical archive for the fire service and co-authored a book on firefighters in Glasgow.

The 83-year-old said he was "surprised and chuffed" to be given the honour at the city chambers.

Jim's career started at Soho Street fire station in Glasgow, which was said to be one of the busiest in western Europe.

He was previously recognised with the firemaster's certificate of congratulations for rescues at a major building collapse and he became an advocate for fire safety, working closely with schools, businesses and the public.

After retiring as staff officer to the firemaster, he worked as a civil service security manager in the Scottish government and then as a volunteer librarian with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).

It was while there he developed their archive, unearthing logbooks dating back to 1823, wartime records, and personal service documents – many of which are now preserved at the Mitchell Library.

Among his other later achievements were supporting Strathclyde University's librarian course, co-authoring the book Tinderbox Heroes and helping to create the Glasgow heritage fire trail.

His work was also been instrumental in the creation of Everyday Heroes, a book chronicling the first 30 years of Strathclyde Fire Brigade.

Glasgow City Council Jim Burns Smith holds his empire medal while standing next to the Lord Provost. On the other side is his wife Grace, while around a dozen of other family and friends stand behind them.Glasgow City Council
Jim was joined by family and friends to collect his honour

Jim said: "I was so surprised and chuffed to receive this award. I've always been in touch with the fire service in one way or another after I retired as a fire fighter.

"I felt compelled to not only document and share my own experiences but those of others in the service. These are stories that should not be forgotten."

He was joined in the city chambers by his wife Grace, three sons and four grandchildren.

He also thanked also made special mention of Graeme Kirkwood, from the Scottish Fire and Rescue Heritage Museum in Greenock, for helping with his work.

The Lord Provost of Glasgow, Jacqueline McLaren, praised Jim's dedication and tireless efforts during his career.

She said: "His dedication ensures that vital records and experiences are remembered, and future generations can learn from the past, and honour the bravery of those who came before."