FIREFIGHTERS who took part in strikes yesterday said they did so reluctantly – but warned they were prepared to take further action.
The national strike saw crews take to picket lines across the county from noon to 4pm as part of a battle with the Government over changes to pensions.
Under the plans, firefighters in England will get their full pension at 60, instead of 55.
Around 50 crew members were gathered at Central Fire Station with posters and leaflets protesting about the changes.
Watch manager Bruce Keeling, 43, who has been in the service for 22 years, was among them.
"I feel sick to the core being here today," he said. "It's not a decision we take lightly.
"At 43, I am relatively fit, but to pass the fitness test in your mid-50s is just not possible due to the extreme conditions of it."
The Fire Brigades Union is concerned that firefighters aged 55 will not pass the fitness tests and be forced to retire without picking up a pension for several years.
Crew manager Matt Monaghan has been in the service for almost 15 years and said the decision to strike was not one he had taken lightly.
He said: "It's very difficult. It's horrible because there's a tremendous amount of moral pressure in our job and that doesn't just go away.
"If there was an incident over the road now, I would still respond as a civilian and member of the public and do my best to assist, but unfortunately 999 calls aren't being answered because that's the only recourse we have left.
"The expectation that firefighters work until they are 60 is unrealistic.
"When you think of your parents compared to what they were like ten or 20 years ago, they are not going to be as physically sharp as they were, so it is ludicrous to have a crew of five 55-year-olds turn up to rescue people from a burning house or cut people out of vehicles.
"People have to think is that something they would want if they were trapped in that situation? It just doesn't seem sensible."
Contingency plans were in place throughout the strike to deal with emergency calls.
Those responding included volunteers, firefighters who aren't in the union and union members who had chosen not to take part in the action.
For David Stevenson, who joined the service in 1988, it was the second strike he had taken part in. "It's not an ideal situation but personally I feel we have to do this," he said. "The dilemma we all suffer as individuals is there and the last thing we want is for anything to happen while we are out, but this decision will inhibit our ability to maintain a capable fire service."
Meanwhile, Brendan Woodhouse, union branch secretary for Notts, said firefighters were prepared to strike again if required.
He said: "We signed a ballot for continual strike action and we are all prepared to walk out again if that is what it takes for the Government to listen."
Fire Minister Brandon Lewis believes the strike was unnecessary and entirely avoidable.
He said: "After two years of discussions, and with improved terms, the pension on offer to firefighters is one of the most generous public service pensions available."
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