Publications
Partners
Staff of the City of Cape Town’s Safety and Security Directorate have been commended for long service.
The 99 recipients work in the Cape Town Traffic Service, Disaster Risk Management, Metro Police, Fire and Rescue Service and Law Enforcement departments. They have a staggering 2761 years of service between them.
The longest serving of these recipients is Patrick Muir, who works for Fire Services in the City Centre.
He received an award for 46 years of service. Muir says he followed a career in Fire Services due to his love for “the outdoor type life” and “not knowing what the next challenge would be”. “Every day brings new challenges and no two incidents are ever the same,” he says.
Muir has witnessed numerous changes in the industry over the four decades of his career.
“Every new design, construction, material or process developed by industry directly influences the way that we as a service approach the different emergency incidents that arise. You always have to try and be one step ahead of the unexpected.
“The greatest challenge is trying to keep on top of development with new technologies, and preparing and equipping for the unknown,” he says.
For Muir, his favourite part of the job is “helping others”.
“[In this line of work] one gets to meet people from all walks of life. When people are faced by danger everyone is the same and all really appreciate the help received. It is this gratitude that makes the risks worthwhile.”
Muir says he feels privileged to “be able to make the long haul”.
“It is good to know that one is recognised and appreciated for the contribution made to our service.”
