Retained firefighter Chris Dutton has hung up his boots after almost 40 years of tackling blazes across Buckinghamshire.

Chris has been a retained firefighter at both Amersham and Chesham fire stations for the last 37 years, put on his fire gear for the last time earlier this month, as he reached his 60th birthday.

He said he will miss the service and the station, but not the unsociable callouts. "I enjoyed it and I think 37 years speaks for itself. It's a lot of commitment and you need a lot of support from your family and colleagues. You don't know when you're going out or how long it's for, so it's a few ruined dinners and days out so I'd like to say thank you to my family," Chris added.

Watch manager Neil Purvis, who has served alongside Chris throughout his time, and said: "I'm lost for words for the man. I can't praise him enough. He was very good at his job and if more people were like him the fire service would be a superb place.

"He's an absolute gentleman, a very wise man and was always there to give words of advice or encouragement. It's like losing your right arm, we'll miss him greatly."

Posted 22/08/2012 by richard.hook@pavpub.com