AN era in the history of the Fire Service in Tavistock ended recently with the retirement of Station Officer Chris Neale.
During that time he has served under 10 chief officers and has witnessed many changes to the modern day service.
Having progressed through the ranks from fireman he has, for the past 12 years, held the rank of Station Officer and been the town?s station commander.
Tavistock, like the majority of Devon, is served by retained firefighters, dedicated crews who carry a pager and at a moment?s notice leave what ever they are doing and respond to the fire call.
The commitment shown by Chris has been supported quietly in the background by his wife Phyllis and by their children Katherine and Robert.
Such dedication has meant, on occasion, meals left unfinished, trips to the beach cancelled at no notice, parties left and their business affected without question or complaint.
A reception held at the town hall, organised by his colleagues to celebrate Chris?s commitment and service, was attended by family and many past and present colleagues.
The assistant chief fire officer Geoff Wilkins, who praised Chris?s achievement and thanked him for his support, gave a presentation of a certificate of service and plaque.
Other presentations were made from West Division, the station personnel, friends and the Retained Fire-fighters? Union.
Many cards, good will messages and personal gifts were also received from as far as Australia and New Zealand ? as well as the sheaves of messages from local people. A presentation to Phyllis was also made from the ?ladies on station?.
The officers and crew at Tavistock Fire Station were given a clock to remind them of Chris and a photo to hang in the ?Rogues Gallery? at the station.
New station officer Tony Clark said Chris would be a hard act to follow as he had done so well.
?We wish Chris a long and happy retirement and hope that he does not twitch too much when he hears the two-tone horns going through town,? he said.