Oldest firefighter has to retire

Rony Jacques from Diksmuide, or ‘Grandpa Brandweer’ as his colleagues call him, would nevertheless like to continue. But that is not possible.

At 69 years old, Rony from Diksmuide is the oldest firefighter in the country. He has not kept track of the number of interventions as a driver of the fire truck, but Rony does have one golden rule in traffic. “Rather 1 minute later than not arriving. It is a pity that you are sometimes a minute later. But when you arrive, you can still start the intervention. If you experience a traffic accident yourself, you will not arrive.”

“not worn out”

But ‘Grandpa Fire Brigade’ will be 70 early next month and then he will have to put away his firefighting equipment for good. “I am not worn out, I have cycled a lot and that is why my health is still reasonably good. The muscles are sometimes cramped, but we will take that into account.”

Rony is going to miss the fire department. “The friendship among each other, the comrades of my section. That will hurt. After a heavy intervention, get together and have a drink. Then you can go home with peace of mind.” Rony is also thinking about his succession, because they need a lot of new firefighters. “If you feel like it, join us, it’s one family, they are information days in April. Come down and you will be welcomed with open arms…”