East Cleveland Image Archive

Loftus Fire Station Crew on exercise @ ICI Wilton in 1978.

Back row: Ken Verrill, Colin Gallilee, Ivan Gallilee (Station Officer @ Loftus), Jerry McElvaney.

Front Row: Bill Hicks, Keith Gallilee.

Bill Hicks worked @ ICI Wilton as a fireman and subsequently became Station Officer @ Loftus, replacing Ivan Gallilee . ICI Wilton were very supportive of local retained fire crews and offered additional training sessions. Ivan was father of Colin and Keith.

The Gallilee family had had a long firefighting tradition, Ivan’s dad (my step grandfather) Fred was also in the brigade and I can recall him telling stories of having to catch the horse to pull the pump.

Photo courtesy of Eileen Hicks.

Thanks to Joh Preston for the update on the Gallilee family.

Anybody who knew me in my previous existence (as Rodders the Radio Engineer) will know that I can’t resist the big red engines!  The old ones are no exception either – and this one is certainly that.  I can’t tell what make it is (possibly a Dennis or a Bedford) but it’s beautiful!

It’s also long enough ago for the firemen to be carrying the traditional short fire-axe and using wooden ladders.

In 1953 the station was located where South View was built, on the site of the car park (or, possibly, on the site of the existing Fire Station in Coronation Road).  The wooden building, on the right of the photo, was the council joiner’s hut  Next to this (off photo) was Laurie Gibsons barn.  Both were destroyed by fire, despite being next to the station. (thanks to Eric Johnson for this little gem – rodders)

Now – there are eleven people in the picture and only nine names shown – shame on the author for not knowing every name!  Who are they? and is this the same building as the present Fire Station? Names still to be filled-in include: E. Bannister, B. Warrell, P. White.

Standing on running board of engine and believed to be the driver: Fred Gallilee.

Left to Right: ?? , G. Wallace, Ivan Gallilee, Fire Officer Outhwaite, R. (Miff) Wood, Divisional Officer Winter, Fire Officer ? , Wilf Waite, John (Jack) Andrew.

Thanks to John Preston for the information regarding Fred Gallilee.