Tommy Cowan, aged 38, is among 15 new recruits to officially join South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service after completing a 13 week training programme.

Born in Scotland, Tommy began his career at Clyde before playing for Rangers and then signing for Sheffield United in 1991.

He signed with Huddersfield Town in 1994 and remained at the club for five years

He has also played for Burnley, Cambridge United, Peterborough United, York City, Dundee, Carlisle United, Barrow, Workington, Hucknall Town, Stalybridge Celtic and Hyde United.

Tommy, who made 45 appearances for Sheffield United, starts his new job on Monday at the city's Mansfield Road fire station.

The dad-of-two, who has lived in Sheffield ever since he played for United, said: "I know it sounds corny but I had a privileged life playing football and at the end of my career wanted to do something worthwhile.

"A neighbour of mine when I first moved to Sheffield was a firefighter and I loved the sound of it so when the footballing options ran out I applied to join. South Yorkshire was my first choice because we live in Beighton. It's a complete change but I can't wait to start."

He and his fellow new recruits were officially welcomed into the brigade during a graduation service.

Another new recruit - Shelley-Eve Carr - is following in the footsteps of her father, Steve Carr, who is a Watch Manager at Rotherham Station.

They are the only father-daughter firefighters in the county.

The newly qualified firefighters demonstrated their new skills during their graduation by tackling a tower block blaze and extinguishing a chip pan fire in front of an audience of family, friends, dignitaries and fellow firefighters.

What do you think? Add your comment below.

READ MORE
Back to main news index.
Latest video reports
Traffic and travel information.
Check out the jams on Sheffield's traffic cameras.
Today's features.
Books of condolence.
Pictures.
More Barnsley news.
More Rotherham news.
More Doncaster news.