Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service Newsdesk

at 09/02/2009 10:58

Cornwall County Fire Brigade is saying a fond farewell to Sub Officer John Thomas after 31 years as a retained firefighter in the West of the County, just as it welcomes three new recruits.

John, who joined the service on 7th February 1978 at St Just Fire station, was promoted to leading firefighter at St Just in 1990, promoted to Sub Officer at St Just in 1995 and Transferred to Penzance Fire station in 1995, where he stayed until his retirement. In 1998 John was awarded the good conduct medal.

Speaking of John’s retirement, Ken Yeo, Executive Member for Public Protection says, “The community of west Penwith should be extremely proud to have had a firefighter such as John on their patch for 30 years. The length of service and commitment John has shown is to be commended and I wish him all the very best for his retirement.”

Chief Fire Officer, Terry Standing adds, “It is always a sad day when firefighters and Junior Officers such as John leave the service. The wealth of knowledge and years of experience that he brought to west Penwith were second to none. However, both Penzance and St Ives have recently taken on a total of three more firefighters who I know will take up the challenge of matching John’s skills and experience and providing a first class service to the communities around them.”

John’s work colleagues gave him a send off at Penzance fire station, and wish John and his family all the very best in the future.

Related item: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=600