WATCH: Turffontein Fire Station bids farewell to Cyril Mann
For thousands of emergency calls, countless lives touched and generations of firefighters inspired, Platoon Commander Cyril Mann leaves behind a legacy that will not easily be forgotten.
After more than four decades of dedicated service to the residents of Johannesburg, Platoon Commander Cyril Mann has officially retired from the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS), bringing to a close an extraordinary career that spanned 44 years.
Mann joined the fire service on May 18, 1982, and over the years, served at several fire stations including Central, Rosebank, Turffontein, Fairview and Kibler Park, earning the respect of colleagues through his commitment, leadership and willingness to share his knowledge.
His final day in uniform was marked by tragedy. On June 27, which also marked his 44 years of service and his birthday celebration, Mann attended a fire incident in Doornfontein where five people sadly lost their lives.
Despite ending his career on one of the most difficult calls a firefighter can face, Mann leaves behind a legacy of courage and dedication to protecting the people of Johannesburg.
A career that began by chance
Looking back, Mann admits he never planned to become a firefighter.
@southern.courier After more than four decades of dedicated service to the residents of Johannesburg, Platoon Commander Cyril Mann has officially retired from the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS), bringing to a close an extraordinary career that spanned 44 years. Full story on southerncourier.co.za
Before joining the fire department, he worked as a door-to-door salesman selling dinner sets. Although the income was good, the job had become difficult.
“I was making very good money,” he recalled. “But I was thinking, ‘I can’t do this anymore’.”
One morning, while walking past Central Fire Station in Kruis Street, he watched a fire engine returning to the station.
“I got as far as the traffic light, then I turned around and looked. I thought, ‘I wonder… I think I can do that job’.”
That simple decision changed the course of his life.
After walking into the station to enquire about vacancies, he was surprised when the recruitment process moved quickly.
“They said, ‘You start tomorrow morning at seven o’clock.’ I hadn’t even told my mother.”
He exchanged a much higher salary for a firefighter’s wage without hesitation, never imagining he would spend the next 44 years serving his community.
Learning through every challenge
Mann’s career took him across Johannesburg, beginning at Central Fire Station before he was transferred to Rosebank Fire Station just weeks later.
@southern.courier A heartfelt farewell and a new chapter To honour his remarkable service, Turffontein Fire Station hosted a special farewell where fellow firefighters, officers and colleagues shared stories, memories and heartfelt messages of appreciation. They thanked Mann for his unwavering commitment, professionalism and the example he set over more than four decades in the fire service. Full story on southerncourier.co.za
His career was interrupted by compulsory military service, but the City supported him, keeping his position open until he returned.
Once back, he threw himself into learning every aspect of firefighting.
He obtained his heavy-duty driver’s licence at just 19 years old, allowing him to drive fire engines, ambulances and specialised rescue vehicles. Throughout his career, he completed numerous courses, eventually qualifying as a pump operator, Leading Firefighter, Sub-Officer and later Platoon Commander.
“I’ve done just about every course there was,” he said.
His willingness to keep learning opened many opportunities, including serving in the control room at Fairview Fire Station. “I don’t think anybody realises what sort of a job that is,” he said. “You’re in charge of 12 fire stations.”
Throughout his career, Mann also served at Turffontein Fire Station, Kibler Park Fire Station, and other stations where he responded to everything from devastating shack fires and factory blazes to serious vehicle accidents and grass fires.
Reflecting on his first years in the job, he admitted the reality of firefighting was very different from what he expected.
“I didn’t know what I was getting into,” he said. “I thought I was going to be putting out fires. I didn’t think I was going to be picking up body parts and having to do things like that.”
Over the years, Mann became known not only for his operational experience but also for mentoring younger firefighters.
He believes firefighters develop skills that extend far beyond emergency response.
“So many years ago I told people, ‘A firefighter can do anybody’s job. We’re all a little bit of everybody’s job through our encounters with it’.”
His knowledge of firefighting, rescue operations, electrical work, computers and emergency management made him a valuable resource within the department.
Colleagues often relied on his experience, while senior officers recognised his leadership and entrusted him with increasing responsibility throughout his career.
A heartfelt farewell and a new chapter
To honour his remarkable service, Turffontein Fire Station hosted a special farewell where fellow firefighters, officers and colleagues shared stories, memories and heartfelt messages of appreciation.
@southern.courier Chaplain Makhaya, the MC for the farewell. Full story on southerncourier.co.za
They thanked Mann for his unwavering commitment, professionalism and the example he set over more than four decades in the fire service.
The City of Johannesburg EMS also recognised his outstanding contribution, thanking him for 44 years of extraordinary courage and selfless service to Johannesburg’s residents.
As he begins retirement, Mann is looking forward to slowing down after a lifetime of emergency calls.
He hopes to spend more time with his wife, Mindy, and enjoy quality time with his family. However, retirement does not necessarily mean stepping away from the profession completely.
He says he would also like to use his years of experience to train and mentor future emergency service professionals.
Looking back on the decision he made outside Central Fire Station in 1982, Mann smiled at how one spontaneous choice became a lifelong calling.
“I said, I want to make it my career. I didn’t really think it through at the time,” he said. Forty-four years later, those words proved true.
