AFTER 40 years of putting out fires and serving the community, Pete Sartin is hanging up the hose at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Pete first began as an on-call firefighter in 1982 for what was then, Dorset Fire Brigade before becoming a firefighter and emergency response driver for Lyme Regis.

Pete recently attended his final drill night at Lyme Regis fire station and celebrated with his colleagues.

For four decades Pete has served the Lyme Regis community both as a firefighter, and as a driving instructor and HGV driver for a local company: juggling his day-jobs with fire calls and training. He’s provided critical cover and responded to emergencies as a co-responder since the scheme started in 2003 up until early 2020.

Pete said: “I have really enjoyed my time as an on-call firefighter and, though I am looking forward to retirement, I will be sad to say goodbye to the team at Lyme Regis. I have attended some memorable incidents over the years but my biggest takeaway from my time in the fire service will be working with the most fantastic teams of people possible.”

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Andy Cole said: “Remaining in any role for 40 years is an impressive commitment, but on-call firefighters and their families make a huge commitment to their communities. Call outs can mean missing meals, family occasions and other events. I want to say thank you to Pete and his family, on behalf of the residents of Lyme Regis, and across our wider Service area, for his dedication to keeping them safe. Everyone at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service wishes Pete a long and happy retirement – without the sound of a pager.”

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is currently recruiting for paid on-call firefighters at stations across the region.

To find out more about how the role can fit around your current work and to apply, visit the website https://www.dwfire.org.uk/working-for-us/on-call-firefighters/ or, alternatively, contact Station Manager Dan Cull directly via Dan.Cull@dwfire.org.uk