A firefighter who has spent 44 years working at East Midlands Airport is retiring and swapping a 12-tonne fire truck for time with his granddaughters.
Julian Essex joined the airport in 1984 in ground handling before moving to the airport police – now security – and later achieving his ambition of becoming an airport firefighter in 1991.
Picture credit: East Midlands Airport
During his career he responded to numerous incidents, including fires in aircraft cabins, galleys and undercarriages, as well as medical emergencies. The fire crew also play a key role clearing snow from the airfield during winter.
In recent years Essex helped build a partnership between the airport and Twycross Zoo, arranging for old hoses and cargo netting to be reused as swings and hammocks in the ape house, and donating two surplus pick-up trucks for zookeepers.
Having lived near the airport all his life, he has witnessed major changes to the site. He recalls when the area now occupied by the DHL cargo hub was farmland and when parts of the airfield were surrounded by open fields.
“The place has changed drastically over the years,” he said. “You wouldn’t recognise the terminal building from that period, and there was only one apron. Security was very different back then.”
Essex said the airport’s growth has also helped nearby villages, where pubs, restaurants and hotels have flourished.
Looking ahead to retirement, he plans to travel across Europe with his wife and spend more time with their two daughters and three grandchildren.
“I’m a big believer in one door closing and another opening, so I’m really looking forward to what comes next,” he said. “The best thing about working here has been the people. It’s been fantastic.”
Martin Lindsay, head of Airport Fire and Rescue, said Essex would be missed. “Julian has been a mainstay of the crew for many years, bringing huge experience and dedication to the service. We all wish him well in his retirement.”
