Olney, a small market town on the banks of the Great Ouse, is the home of the northernmost fire station in Buckinghamshire. Just two miles outside the town is Three Shires Wood, where Buckinghamshire meets both Bedfordshire and Northamptonshire.
Olney's history can be traced as far back as the Domesday Book, but it is probably most famous for its annual pancake race, which was first run around 500 years ago. The town also featured in the Civil War with the famous Battle of Olney Bridge.
Olney has had firefighters serving the local community since 1878. The current personnel, led by Watch Manager Dave Reading, boast some 177 years of service between them. One member is the fourth generation of his family to serve the community as a firefighter.
Last year Olney Fire Station received one of Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service's refurbished rescue pumps - a replacement for its supertanker.
The area served by Olney Fire Station is mainly rural, covering not only the town itself but also the surrounding villages. The station's calls cover the whole spectrum of incidents the modern-day fire and rescue service is called upon to deal with.
Because it is so close to Milton Keynes and neighbouring counties, the crew at Olney is called upon to attend some of the larger incidents in Milton Keynes. It has also attended some high-profile over-the-border incidents, including the fires at Yarlswood Detention Centre and the Buncefield Oil Terminal.
The town is very proud of its firefighters, as was highlighted when the Mayor attended the retirement function of the previous officer in charge. Local businesses are very supportive of the fire station, and some allow more than one of their employees to serve as firefighters.
The firefighters give their time voluntarily to attend various annual community and fund-raising events in the town, including the Floral Fiesta, the Remembrance Day parade and the local school bonfire.
In March 2007 they took part in a skills day in aid of the village of Newton in Sierra Leone.