Buckie fire crews have raised £50,000 for the charity that helped nurse an injured colleague back to health.
Alan Cruickshank worked as a part-time firefighter for 40 years, during which time he answered more than 6,000 call-outs.
During his four decades of service, he dealt with everything from chip-pan fires to huge blazes and fatal crashes.
The 62-year-old was advised to retire in 2001 after shattering his arm while working as an electrician but was not to be dissuaded.
Mr Cruickshank spent weeks at the Fire Fighters Charity’s rehabilitation unit in Penrith in Cumbria and managed another 17 years of service before stepping-down as a watch manager last October.
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So well looked after was he by the charity that the Buckie crew were inspired to raise money to support its good work.
Crews carry out Christmas tours of the town with their fire engines decked out in fairy lights and since 2006 have raised thousands of pounds for a variety of good causes.
Buckie watch manager Dougie Annand was one of those inspired to help after Mr Cruickshank’s time in rehab.
He said it was important to back the charity after it had helped one of their own.
Mr Annand said : “Our former colleague was supported by the Fire Fighters Charity to return to work after suffering an injury.
“He spent two weeks at the charity’s rehabilitation centre in Penrith and came back to work for a further 11 years, before retiring in October.
“After that, we decided we should do whatever we could to support the charity.
“They are a great cause and we are proud to help support them.”
Ian Findlay, the local senior officer for Aberdeenshire and Moray, praised the Moray coastal community for responding to their efforts to support charities both national and local.
He said: “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our firefighters at Buckie Fire Station for their sustained charity efforts.
“Their commitment has helped raise a phenomenal amount of money for charity and the wider community.
“Thanks must also go to the community of Buckie, and surrounding areas, who amaze us each and every year with their generosity.”
