Malcolm McCarthy, a leading firefighter with the London Fire Brigade, has retired after over 45 years of commendable service. He began his career in 1979 at the age of 21. He attended significant emergencies, including the Brink's-Mat heist and the King's Cross fire. McCarthy described his career as very fulfilling and expressed his high regard for the profession. He started as an apprentice toolmaker and switched careers inspired by a friend's experiences. Over the years, he worked at different stations and is appreciative of the excitement and challenges posed by being a firefighter.
Malcolm McCarthy served over 45 years as a firefighter, attending major incidents like the Brink's-Mat heist and the King's Cross fire, labeling himself the 'relief king'. He described his long career as varied and interesting, stating, 'wouldn't have changed it for anything'. McCarthy joined the London Fire Brigade at 21 after a recommendation from his best friend and expressed gratitude for the excitement and livelihood provided by the job.
During his career, McCarthy wore various protective gear, reflecting on how safety equipment has evolved since he began. He started wearing cork helmets and yellow plastic leggings, highlighting changes in fire service safety standards over the decades.
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