FORMER and presently serving firefighters at Teignmouth Fire Station recently came together to celebrate two of their own, who have both served the community of Teignmouth for more than 40 years each.

The ‘Thank You’ evening recognised the long service of firefighters Ian Radford and Gary Holand, both Watch Managers.

Ian joined the service in 1976 and has given more than 44 years operationally at Teignmouth, spending most of his career as its Station Commander.

Ian continues to work within Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service in a non-operational role in Teignmouth Fire Station’s group support team.

Gary joined in 1981 and has given more than 41 years at Teignmouth - he continues to work as a local electrician.

A spokesman for Teignmouth Fire Station said: ‘Ian and Gary have dedicated so much of their lives to serving our station, our local community and the wider communities, attending thousands of incidents as far as Cornwall and Dorset!

‘Both have been team leaders and have seen so many faces come and go over their time within our team.

‘Ian and Gary, we thank you for your service’ the spokesman added.