A MAN who rose through the ranks to hold a number of prominent positions with the fire service will retire at the end of June — more than three decades after first becoming a firefighter.

Steve Apter, 54, became a full-time firefighter in 1991 and soon forged a reputation as a loyal and valued member of the Isle of Wight teams he served.

Starting as a retained firefighter with the crew in Shanklin, he vividly recalls attending the Fowler’s department store fire in Ryde during his first year on the job.

Joining Newport's Blue Watch, Steve was involved in a serious accident in 1994 when the fire engine he was inside crashed.

Two close friends and colleagues came to the fore during this period — Trevor Moyce, who had been the driver, and the late Martin Poynter, who he credits with saving his life.

Steve said: "Throughout my career, I’ve been blessed to work with the best of the best and to be part of teams which have made my job easy. That’s why I’ve loved every day.

"To those joining the service now I would say it’s the best job ever so enjoy every minute. It's also been really positive to see more and more women joining in recent years."

Isle of Wight County Press: Steve Apter in his role as deputy chief fire officer of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue ServiceSteve Apter in his role as deputy chief fire officer of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service

After several years with Blue Watch, Steve became the first Island chief fire officer, a meteoric rise from his early days as a retained firefighter. He regards this as the proudest moment of his tenure, made extra special by his parents being alive to share the moment.

Becoming deputy commissioner of London Fire Brigade in 2017, he was in charge of both the team's response to the Westminster Bridge attack and the Grenfell Tower Fire during his first year in the capital.

In 2019, Steve was appointed the new deputy chief fire officer of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service; a decision he describes as the ideal conclusion to his time with the service.

He said: "Returning as the deputy chief and delivering the combination between Hampshire and the Isle of Wight has been a fitting end to my career.

"My final year has seen probably the most difficult challenge of all, as gold commander of our response to the Covid-19 pandemic. I’ve never been prouder of the Fire and Rescue Service family and its ability to adapt to a crisis. 

"The best team I have around me is my family and their support and love has been a life saver for me, as has living on this beautiful Island."