Ellesmere's longest-serving firefighter in history retires after more than 40 years
The longest-serving firefighter in Ellesmere's history has officially retired from the fire service after more than 40 years of fighting fires and saving lives.
Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
John Deakin recently celebrated forty years of service with Shropshire Fire and Rescue, which made him the longest-serving firefighter in Ellesmere's history.
A spokesperson for Ellesmere Fire Station said it was "a benchmark which is unlikely to be surpassed for a very, very long time".
Now, after forty years and two months of fighting fires and helping save lives, John has hung up his pager and boots for the final time.
On Wednesday evening, the crew and managers alongside Shropshire's High Sheriff, Brian Welti, formally presented John with some gifts in honour and appreciation of his service.
His retirement is particularly poignant for the crew at Ellesmere, as John's dad was Officer in Charge of Ellesmere when he joined the station forty years ago.
John's departure makes it the first time in 72 years that a Deakin family member hasn't been part of the station.
A spokesperson for Ellesmere Fire Station added: "John, we would like to say thank you again to you and your family for your incredible 40 years of service.
"We wish you a long and happy retirement and will miss your leadership and support."
