Glasgow firefighter honoured by the King after close to 50 years of protecting communities
Firefighter Alex Muir has received a King's Fire Service Medal after close to 50 years of service
One of Scotland's longest-serving firefighters has been honoured by the King.
Alex Muir, who became a firefighter in 1979, has been awarded a King's Fire Service Medal in recognition of his outstanding service to communities.
Alex, who received the award as part of the New Year Honours announcement, began his service at Springburn Community Fire Station in May 1979.
He then moved to Cowcaddens Community Fire Station in 1986, where he remains today as the last serving member of his original watch.
Throughout his career, Alex has attended numerous high profile incidents including the 1989 train crash at Glasgow's Bellgrove Station and the 2004 Clarendon Bar fire.
He was also present at the more recent Glasgow School of Art fire in 2014.
After he received the award, Alex said: "It's an honour just to be considered for this and I am quite overwhelmed to receive it.
"The Service has always looked after my family and I. I have always been supported in times of need and I really can't speak highly enough of the Service."
Alex has seen a lot change throughout his near five decade career.
Many of his former colleagues have long since retired and firefighting equipment has advanced dramatically, but some fundamentals remain unchanged.
Alex explained: "The high quality of equipment we use now makes a massive difference to the safety of firefighters.
"But, in some ways, firefighting is still the same. People are still affected by fires and emergencies and it’s our job to get there as quickly as possible to deal with them.
"I'm still doing what I've always done. I have served alongside the finest firefighters and officers and it’s a privilege to have done so."
Though he's fast approaching half a century of protecting others, Alex treats every day as a new challenge.
He said: "I train every day to keep myself as fit as I can. I owe it to my Watch and to the Service.
"Being involved with the Service has been an incredible experience, I've loved it. I really believe this is the best job in the world."