TAVISTOCK's longest-serving fireman has just retired after more than 35 years helping to put out fires around the district.
Mike Felles joined the force in January 1966, and said the job of a volunteer fireman has changed a great deal since then.
'When I first started you were a fireman, that was all you dealt with, now you do everything, firefighting is one small part of it because we have to respond to floods, rescue efforts and other special service functions,' he said.
Mike believes the training and equipment for firefighters is far superior today and the use of pagers has given firefighters more freedom, though they must still be able to drop anything to respond to a call-out.
Mike grew up in Illfracombe and joined the brigade shortly after moving to Tavistock.
In Illfracombe, he lived next door to the fire station, and as a boy was accustomed to helping out around the station.
After joining the fire service, he was promoted to leading fireman in 1975, and in 1991 became the station sub-officer.
In 1986, he was awarded a long service and good conduct medal. Typically, Mike chose to receive the award at Tavistock fire station with his colleagues and friends, instead of holding a special event in Exeter.
Today volunteers typically stay in the force for five to ten years, before moving on because of work or other commitments. Mike's achievement of over 30 years as a firefighter is therefore all the more remarkable.
Mike said the grim humour that helps firefighters cope with difficult situations really hit home recently, after watching coverage of the tragic events following the terrorist attack on New York's World Trade Centre.
He said: 'The New York firemen found a flag pole and raised the stars and stripes in the middle of a devastated area. That was the sense of humour, you have got to have one, it is the only way you can cope with it.'
Mike's most memorable call-out was in December 1981, when the Tavistock crew were sent to a fire at the Coach House Motel in Lewdown, on the same night as the Penlee lifeboat disaster.
He remembers the terrible conditions that night, with near hurricane-strength winds and the close kinship between the emergency services both battling the elements.
'The lifeboat went out and never came back. I did go out and come back,' he said.
Although he will miss the camaraderie of the station, Mike will not miss being called out to tackle blazes at week-ends or in the middle of the night.
Now he has retired from the fire brigade, Mike wanted to thank his employers down the years, who have accommodated him being called out for emergency blazes, leaving work at a moment's notice. He worked as a paint sprayer, first at Carr's Garage in Plymouth Road, then at BS and JS Williams and for the last 14 years at Superwinch.
He said: 'Employers do not get enough credit for what they do to allow workers to serve as volunteer firefighters. It can be very inconvenient for employers.'
Mike's wife Julie and two children Martin and Verity, have also been very supportive of him.
This will be the third time lucky for Mike in his plans to retire, having first intended to step down after 30 years at the fire station, then again at his 35th service anniversary in January. But this time, Mike said he will definitely be retiring.
A leaving party with colleagues and old friends was held on October 13, Mike's birthday as well as the day he officially retired.
Assistant Divisional Officer for Devon Fire and Rescue Service Bill Grantham paid tribute to Mike's contribution to the service and the local community.
'Mike has now retired and has rightly earned the title of 'pillar of the community' and has proved to be a wonderful role model to all who have worked or come into contact with him,' he said.
There are a few little reminders which will ensure Mike will not forget his lifetime spent as a firefighter.
His distinctive yellow fire helmet is now being used as a hanging basket — if watering the plants is effortless compared to fighting a fire, here is one person who has certainly earned the right to ease off.