Celebrating 75 years of service: Firefighting, a family affair

As the States of Jersey Fire and Rescue Service commemorates its 75th anniversary, one firefighter’s story stands out as a powerful tribute to tradition, dedication, and family pride.

Crew Commander Matt Coote is continuing a legacy started decades ago by his father, Jon Coote, a former on-call firefighter based at Western Station. What began as childhood memories of his father responding to late-night emergency calls has grown into a lifelong vocation.

“I was definitely proud of my dad,” Matt reflects. “He planted the seed.”

Now a seasoned firefighter himself, Matt leads his own crew into the same kinds of rescues that once shaped his admiration for the profession. His journey highlights the deep-rooted sense of purpose and generational inspiration that defines much of Jersey’s firefighting community.

The Coote family’s story is featured in a new blog post titled “Firefighting: A Family Affair”. The piece celebrates the enduring legacy of service within families and offers a touching look at how commitment to community protection is passed down through the years.

As the States of Jersey Fire and Rescue Service honours 75 years of bravery and resilience, stories like Matt and Jon’s offer a poignant reminder: for many, firefighting is more than just a job — it’s a calling woven into the very fabric of family life.

Read the full story here.