MY father was a fireman and I think to some degree this led me to join Strathclyde Fire Brigade. In over 20 years' service I have seen a lot of changes and I believe the fire service will continue to change as it reflects the community it serves.

Despite this, some people can have polarising opinions of a firefighter's job.

Some people think we are vital to the safety of the community, while others think that firefighters have a lot of spare time to play snooker.

I can honestly say that firefighters today work harder than ever to protect our community.

To begin with we now attend a vast variety of incidents. This can jump between a smoke detector in building, to a road traffic collision involving many vehicles, to a chemical spill in a factory requiring chemical suits, to a fire on a boat.

Therefore, firefighters train every day in preparation for all these incidents.

This is covered in a comprehensive three year training planner.

Each month every watch commander will ensure all the firefighters participate in training that will develop and consolidate their knowledge and experience of the techniques required to operate equipment quickly and safely.

As a result, when called upon, firefighters can draw on this experience that can be the difference in saving someone's life or some ones property.

But this is only part of the practical training involved. To supplement this firefighters regularly attend a Scottish Fire and Rescue Service purpose-built training site.

On this multi million pound site, firefighters from across the whole of Strathclyde can simulate training utilising purpose built facilities such as motorways, urban search and rescue facilities to simulate collapsed buildings, train carriages on rail tracks, controlled fires in multi storey buildings, domestic properties and factories (where backdrafts and flashovers can be recreated safely).

This and many other scenarios allow firefighters to have that experience that can help them when they are called upon in a real incident.

However, this is only the practical, 'hands on', aspect of training.

Firefighters need to also develop the theory behind such incidents.

To do this, every firefighter must complete an online training module every month.

This is done via a virtual fire service college, where firefighters must read then pass assessments on every aspect of firefighting. This includes understanding fire behaviour, radiation and electricity.

Firefighters are also responsible for their fitness and are encouraged to exercise for up to an hour a day in the gym.

Currently I would say Barrhead firefighters are the fittest group of firefighters I have ever worked with.

I know my dad would not have had the same level of fitness in his day that most firefighters have today.

Finally, firefighters are far more pro-active in working with the community to help prevent incidents occurring.

This can take the form of free home fire safety visits (arranged for almost every day of the year) and their attendance to a variety of community groups, galas, schools, care homes, factories, offices and farms to offer fire safety advice.

Community groups also regularly visit the station with firefighters being excellent role models and supporters for young people in scout groups, girl guides and those on the Duke of Edinburgh awards scheme.

Firefighters also run fire reach courses for youths in the area, thus improving their fire safety knowledge while also helping to reduce likelihood of wilful fire raising.

As you can see, firefighters are a busy lot and the job has changed considerably since my dad's time.

I believe this will continue to change as our communities and risks change and I am confident our firefighters will be ready for all the challenges that might lie ahead.

We may no longer play snooker in stations but we are now better prepared, trained and fitter for the challenges ahead.

If you or someone you know would like or would benefit from a free home fire safety visit, please contact Barrhead Fire Station on 0141 881 2222.

PARKS in Barrhead will be patrolled by community wardens who will hand out fines to those who drop litter or don't pick up after their dogs.

East Renfrewshire's community safety service has put together patrols for areas across the district where complaints, about litter and dog muck, have been made by the public.

Barrhead and Neilston Main Streets will be patrolled seven days a week by community wardens, and the local Cowan, Centary and Arthurlie parks will also be regularly supervised, alongside green spaces throughout Neilston.

The Council has warned those caught flouting the law will face fixed penalty notices, and those under 16 will have warnings sent to their parents.

Councillor Mary Montague, community safety and services Convener, said: "The vast majority of local residents want to live in areas that are clean and attractive and would never think of littering our streets or not cleaning up after their dogs.

"However, there are some who do and it is those we are targeting with this summer action plan."

copy copy copy copy FREE tennis will be served up in Barrhead as part of the first ever Great British Tennis Weekend - with special guest Judy Murray on hand to give out a few pointers to any budding tennis stars.

Barrhead Community Tennis Club will open its gates to everyone in a bid to inspire the next generation of Andy Murrays and Laura Robsons.

People of all ages and abilities can just turn up to play with equipment and coaching provided from 10am to 4pm on Sunday August 18, and maybe get some coaching from the mother of the current Wimbledon champion.

Head Coach Emma Gibson said: "She will be taking in the day and maybe giving a bit of advice to any players. Andy Murray's success has led to a lot more people at our summer camps, which have been really popular, and we want to let everybody know we are here.

"The courts will be open to everyone, with mini tennis, adult lessons and much more available."

In the wake of Andy Murray's remarkable Wimbledon triumph, and a year on from the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Lawn Tennis Association wants to continue to build on the legacy of London 2012 and get more people playing tennis.

Fed Cup Captain Judy is excited about the prospect of more people playing the sport.

She said. "This is a great idea and one that I hope will encourage many new people to come out and try tennis. There's a huge buzz around our sport just now and offering tennis for free at local park courts across the country is the way forward."