A COMMEMORATIVE axe and a bronze bust of a firefighter were presented to a man who retired after dedicating 30 years of his life to the fire service. Former chief fire officer, Tom Carroll said farewell to friends and colleagues at a retirement party on S

A COMMEMORATIVE axe and a bronze bust of a firefighter were presented to a man who retired after dedicating 30 years of his life to the fire service.

Former chief fire officer, Tom Carroll said farewell to friends and colleagues at a retirement party on Saturday, November 17.

Mr Carroll joined the fire service in 1977 and retired at the end of September. During his career, he also served as president of the Chief Fire Officers' Association in 2005/06.

"I consider myself very lucky to have had a career within the fire service," said Mr Carroll. "It is one of the best and most worthy organisations around. I have never been bored in my career and I have never had a Monday morning feeling.

"It will be very strange to no longer be part of the fire and rescue service, something I have lived and breathed for 30 years."

Graham Stagg, Cambridgeshire's new chief fire officer, said: "Tom has been a brilliant man to work alongside and I, like so many, will be sorry to see him leave the service.