Paul Chaplin – known as Charlie – died suddenly aged 74 on 20th December 2022. Charlie’s dream job was to be either a train driver or a firefighter. In 1973, his wife, Jenny, saw an advert for Avon Fire Brigade and after some not so gentle nudging Charlie applied. To his amazement he passed his exams, being one of only two people in his class to achieve this. Charlie was originally stationed at Avonmouth before transferring to Patchway station. He revelled in being able to play with the big toys, helping others and he just loved fire brigade life in general. In 2003 Charlie, reluctantly, retired from the brigade after serving 30 years, he was very proud of this achievement. His family have received so many letters, cards etc from ex-firefighters who served with him, with many, many stories being told of their time with Charlie in the brigade, these have bought so much comfort to them at this sad time.
AF&RS Pensioners Association Secretary & Treasurer. NARF District No. 7 Chairman & Treasurer
Pensioners Association 
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