A former firefighter received an emotional surprise when crews paraded and saluted outside of his window, after knocking on his door as part of a county-wide day of action to test and fit as many smoke alarms as possible. 

Firefighters and colleagues were visiting residents across Kent and Medway on Tuesday (23 May) to offer free home fire safety visits on the first day of Kent Fire and Rescue Service’s (KFRS) Fight Against Fire. 

Crews in Herne Bay were knocking on doors when they arrived at the home of retired firefighter, Jim, who was based at Larkfield fire station, near Maidstone, for at least 15 years. 

The 83-year-old has long-term health and mobility conditions, which require him to have oxygen and additional care at home. 

The team carried out a full fire safety check and made sure the couple had working smoke alarms and fitted a new one, as well as a carbon monoxide detector, and ran through important safety advice, including what to do in the event of a fire. 

The crew then surprised Jim with an honorary firefighters’ parade and salute at the living room window, leaving him lost for words. 

He said: “I was very emotional. It was so good of them to do a salute, and just extremely special.” 

His wife Julie, 73, added: “It was such a surprise to have them knock on the door, but a good surprise. They checked everything was safe and then made Jim’s day with the salute. It was a moment we won’t forget.” 

KFRS will be hitting the streets again tomorrow (Thursday 25 May) for the second day of its Fight Against Fire. 

If someone from KFRS knocks on your door today, or any other day, they will always: 

• be wearing KFRS uniform
• have KFRS photo ID 
• have a fire engine or marked KFRS vehicle parked nearby 
• only enter your property with your permission
• never ask for money or bank details – it’s a free service 

Anyone wishing to double check the validity of ID can call 0800 923 7000. 

During the visit, the team will:

• test smoke alarms
• fit new ones or relocate existing ones if necessary 
• provide safety advice tailored to your home 

Steven Johnson opened the door to crews at his home in Sittingbourne on Tuesday and said he would recommend the free visit to anyone. 

He said: “I think the service is brilliant. I didn’t expect it but it’s nice to be shown that extra level of care. The firefighters fitted three new smoke alarms and gave me on advice on what to do if a fire was to start. They were all recognisable in their uniforms and had their IDs on display.” 

Click through the gallery below to see a selection of photos from Tuesday's visits.