A RETAINED Kimbolton firefighter is retiring after more than 30 years of service.

A RETAINED Kimbolton firefighter is retiring after more than 30 years of service.

Dave Mehew, 57, was presented with an award commemorating his many years of service during his final drill night.

Mr Mehew, who works as a porter at Kimbolton School, first joined the fire service in 1976 after he was encouraged to by a neighbour who was a retained firefighter.

Since then he has never looked back and says that helping people in the community is something he will miss.

He said: “I will miss being able to do things for the people in the community, but maybe it’s time to let someone else do that.

“I know I’ve left the station in good hands.”

“It’s difficult to think of highlights when your job involves dealing with so many difficult situations, but what I always tried to do was keep people smiling.”

Andy Watson, area manager for Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue praised Mr Mehew for his commitment over the years.

He said: “Dave has given 34 years of his life to the fire service and his commitment to the job and sense of humour will be missed by everyone at the station.”