Soul Man Sam hangs up his hosereel

Sam Trotman, 51, better known to his colleagues as Soul Man Sam, joined the fire service in 1985 at the tender age of 25.

His colleague, crew manager, Martin Walker, paid tribute to his achievements throughout 26 years’ service.

“Sam contributed a great deal to the local community.

“Not only as a retained fire fighter but also by organising fund raising events and being the DJ. He helped raise tens of thousands of pounds for local charities over the years.

“Sam’s passion is without doubt music, hence the nick name Soul Man Sam, by which he is affectionately known. If he’s not singing or playing his guitar he’s DJ-ing at a local venue for charity.”

Charities who have benefited from Sam’s love of music include The Parchment Trust, Bexhill Athletic Youth Football Club, Chestnut Tree and Cancer Research.

Martin explained that Cancer Research is a particular charity close to Sam’s heart: “Approximately 12 years ago Sam underwent treatment for a brain tumour. Thankfully all turned out well for Sam and his family and he returned back to work after treatment.”

Martin said Sam’s wife Ruth and his daughter Maria always supported Sam in his endeavours, patiently dealing with the demands required of a firefighter:

“For example he may have just walked through the door from his day job and his alerter would sound, paging him to attend Bexhill Fire Station for a ‘shout’, in some cases not returning until hours later when his family had all gone to bed.

“Ruth and Maria, to an extent, have had to share Sam with the fire service over the past 26 years but they can now enjoy some quality time together.

“The commitment and devotion Sam has given to the fire service is immeasurable.

“Sam will leave a very big gap at Bexhill Fire Station where his cheerful tunes and witty rhymes will be greatly missed.”

At his last drill night Sam was presented with a fireman’s axe, mounted on a mahogany board, along with a gold plate engraved with his length of service.

His watch also celebrated with cups of tea, mince pies and biscuits.

Sam said: “I have loved this job and the satisfaction of pulling people out of fires and saving lives. The team here are fantastic to work with and a great laugh.”

Although Sam has said goodbye to his fellow firefighters he will continue with his ‘day’ job as a drainage engineer.

And for anyone considering a job as a firefighter Sam said: “The advice I would give to anyone thinking about joining the fire service is to look into it before you join, as it is not as glamorous as people think.”

• Sam’s next charity disco takes place on the May 7, Manor Barn, Old Town and tickets cost £5. All money raised will go to a nominated local charity.