TWO firefighters from Wiveliscombe who are hanging up their helmets for the last time have been praised for their commitment.

Nigel Hims, who has served for 27 years, and Mark Harrison who has served for 12 years, were thanked for their dedication.

Station manager Adrian Wollaston said firefighters were much like Superman.

He said: “Superman changes from his daily non-descript existence into a responder to people in distress, and so do the people who staff your fire station.

“From their work, rest, play or bed, when the call comes they switch into fire and rescue professionals responding to your needs.

“To be a member of our station takes commitment and dedication, and though we operate very flexible working patterns a degree of sacrifice is required to attend ongoing professional training.

“Nigel and Mark have given a great commitment to keeping our community safe and I hope you will join me in thanking them.

“I also wish every success to watch manager Nigel Parker, who has been part of the station for 28 years and is continuing his career at our HQ following a promotion.”

Employers in the area who support their community by releasing their staff as on-call firefighters were also praised.

Group Commander Dale Durante, of Somerset Command, on behalf of the force, awarded and thanked employers for their help.

He said: “Across Devon and Somerset many of our fire stations are staffed by on-call firefighters who, when needed, respond to their stations from home or work.

“In many cases, for this to happen it needs the support of businesses and employers to release their staff to be able to respond, often at a moment’s notice.

“The Devon & Somerset Fire and Rescue Service is reliant on and grateful to all those employers – without their support this couldn’t happen.”

Nick Palmer, of EPS, Brian Adams, of Adams Tarpaulins, Steve Heptinstall, of Cotleigh Brewery, Brian Stone, of Yaffle Engineering, and Rob and Chris Hendy, of Brendon Power Washers, received awards recognising their long and outstanding support.

  •  IF you would like to become a firefighter you are invited to talk to the force – Wiveliscombe Fire Station is open on Wednesdays between 7pm and 9pm. You can also call 01392-872294 or email recruitment@dsfire.gov.uk