AN Exbourne fire officer has retired from Devon Fire and Rescue after an incredible 41 years — thought to be one of the longest fire service careers in the country.

Rod Lane joined London Fire Brigade in 1960 and became a station officer in 1967.

After several years of operational duty, he transferred to the fire prevention department where he was cited as a 'keen and determined' officer.

Rod moved to Devon in 1972 and has lived near Okehampton for almost 30 years, where he has been a district officer for the area, covering six fire stations.

Amazingly, he has had just five days sickness since joining Devon fire services. He retired at midnight on Thursday night.

He said: 'It feels strange and a little bit empty, which is natural I suppose. This is now the first day of the rest of my life!'

Rod, who is 60, plans to take time out to relax before looking for something 'interesting and challenging — without the drudge of having to go to work'.

'I'm too young to walk around with a Zimmer frame!' he said.

He said throughout his long career with the fire service he had been involved in many incidents, both tragic and hilarious.

'There's one that always sticks in my mind. It was down on the Embankment in London, where this bloke had his foot trapped in the shelf of a Mini. The girl he was with, well, they were obviously involved in some form of illicit relationship. It was her husband's car but the guy who was trapped wasn't her husband!

'When I get together with the lads we always have a laugh and giggle about that one.

'I've never had anything like a lady with her toe stuck in the bath-tap though,' said Rod, somewhat regretfully!

On his last evening he visited Hatherleigh Fire Station, which was the first station he went to in this area.

'I thought it would be poignant to come in on the last day too. It's nice to see all the youngsters coming through now,' he said.

He can also remember his very first fire job — and his last, a fairly minor incident in Holsworthy on Tuesday last week.

'I shall always remember that, being the last,' said Rod.

He said he will miss his colleagues and the team spirit now he has left the service.

He said: 'A fireman on his own isn't a lot of use. Teamwork is vital and you build that up with your colleagues.'

Rod was awarded a long service and good conduct medal in 1980 — an award presented by royal appointment and individually minted.

In addition to his years of dedicated work for the fire service, he served as a civilian instructor with the Air Training Corps and was appointed a justice of the peace for North and West Devon magistrates' courts.

Further honours came Rod's way in 1993, the year he took up an appointment with the Okement fire district.

He was awarded an MBE for his services to the community, which have also included running the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and being a member of the Dartmoor Rescue Group.

Rod is married with four children who are involved in nursing, the Royal Marines and the fire service. He also has two grandchildren.