A FIREFIGHTER who had part of his right leg amputated after a serious accident has rejoined Devon Fire and Rescue Service on full operational duties. Shaun Parker, of Bovey Tracey, has become one of the country's first active amputee firefighters, four-and-a-half-years after he last rode on a fire appliance. Aged 37, he had been a retained firefighter in Bovey Tracey for 10 years when he suffered an industrial injury and had to have his right leg amputated below the knee in 2001. After working for the service for a time in the community safety department, Mr Parker was retired on ill- health in 2003. Determined to return to operational duty, he reapplied to join the service in 2004, retaking the basic training course at the Service Training Centre, Plympton, and has re-joined his former colleagues in Bovey Tracey on operational duty. 'I was determined to get back on the appliance. When something like this happens, you can't stay at home and think about it, you have got to get on with life. I have got a family and two young children and had to keep going,' he said. To rejoin the service, he had to take the same assessments as the other trainee firefighters on the course, including wearing breathing apparatus and climbing up and down ladders. His artificial leg has been tested to withstand heat of between 60 and 300 degrees Celsius and can withstand a weight of 365kgs. It has been fitted with a locking device as an additional safety precaution. 'One of the trainers on the course said he could not tell the difference between what I could do and the other people on the course. 'I am chuffed to bits to come back and the lads at Bovey gave me a great welcome on my first drill night at the station. I am raring to go,' said Mr Parker. Devon's chief fire officer Paul Young said Mr Parker's determination and commitment to return to operational duties was an example to everyone. 'His remarkable recovery from a horrific accident is testament to his dedication and hard work. 'This is not about a disability but is about Shaun's ability to work as a firefighter. 'As a service, we encouraged Shaun through the training course while ensuring that he was fully capable of returning to duty for the safety of himself, the crew and the public,' said Mr Young.