Warminster Fire Station bids farewell to dedicated watch manager

A well-respected watch manager who served Warminster Fire Station for more than three decades has retired after 34 years of dedicated service. 

Mark Chamberlain celebrated the end of his service on Saturday 31st May. He joined the station in January 1991 as a retained firefighter while working full-time as a vehicle technician for Northfield Toyota, which is now the Co-op shop on Victoria Road. 

In 1999, Mark left the motor trade to join the fire service full-time. He was initially based in Salisbury but continued his commitment as an on-call firefighter for Warminster. 

Inspired by dad

Originally inspired by his late father Tony to join the service as a way of earning some additional income to support his young family, Mark soon discovered that he not only enjoyed the role but excelled in it. 

John Burns, watch manager at Warminster Fire Station, said, “He attended his last training night at Warminster on 19th May. Firefighters from Warminster, Westbury, Trowbridge and senior officers from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service held a presentation evening to thank Mark for his professional service and commitment. 

“During the evening, firefighters stood to attention to ‘parade off’ the well-respected watch manager. He and his family also recreated a photo of his dad’s retirement from Westbury Fire Station.” 

Mark leaves the service as the most recent commander at Warminster, after taking over from watch manager Chris Trimby in November 2023.  

Pictured above: Firefighters from across Wiltshire give Mark a guard of honour.