RESPECTED FIRE OFFICER JULIAN FOUNTAINE RETIRES AFTER NEARLY 32 YEARS OF SERVICE

After nearly 32 years of service to the local community, Isle of Wight fire officer Julian Fountaine is retiring from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.

Julian began his career as a retained firefighter at Station 6 – Sandown – back in October 1989. He enjoyed the role so much that he applied to become a wholetime firefighter just 2 years later, with great success. After additional training at the Hampshire Training Centre, FF Fountaine joined White Watch at Newport Fire Station in October 1991.

Over the years Julian gained promotion and held various roles within the Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service. In 1995 he was promoted to Sub Officer at Ryde’s training centre and worked his way up to a Senior Instructor, followed by a temporary term as Brigade Training Officer. By 2003, Julian’s career had really taken off and in subsequent years he held a number of roles including Fleet Manager, Community Safety Manager and Technical Support Manager.

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In 2010, Fountaine was seconded to the Fire Service College at Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire for a period of 3 years. There he held the role of Group Manager in Incident Command.

Returning to the Island in 2013, Julian has seen out the rest of his career as a Station Manager, acting as a senior officer and tactical advisor at incidents across the Isle of Wight. He is also a National Interagency Liasion Officer (NILO).

Highlights of his career include representing the Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service at the Cenotaph in London during the Remembrance Parade and helping to organise Prince Charles visiting Ryde Fire Station in 2009. In 2018, Island Echo reported that Julian helped get a local resident mobile again after mobility scooters were stolen in Sandown.

Firefighting aside, SM Fountaine has been involved in many charitable events, including the Square to Square cycle events to both Prague and Rome. He even took part in Walk the Wight wearing breathing apparatus one year, carrying a fireman’s ladder another year and also whilst wearing the ‘Welliphant’ suit.

Looking ahead, Julian is planning to spend more time with his wife, 3 children and 4 grandchildren, as well as travelling – when restrictions allow!

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Julian officially retires on 15th May 2021 but is utilising holiday owed, turning off his pager with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service for the last time later today.