CREWS at Newton Abbot Fire Station said farewell to Firefighter Jez Glanfield after 28 years service to the town and brigade.

Jez is moving on to his full time role as a watch manager at Paignton Fire Station.

His Newton Abbot colleagues took to Facebook to thank him for his dedication and professionalism.

They said: ‘Jez has been part of Newton Abbot Station 28 for a grand total of 28 years.

‘In his time Jez has attended hundreds if not thousands of emergency callouts and has also undertaken a variety of roles during his on-call career.

‘Jez is also a Watch Manager in his wholetime role at Paignton Fire Station, where he will continue to lead his crews moving forward.

‘Jez is a popular member of our crew and this was evident in everyone’s willingness to contribute to Jez’s leaving gift of a paddleboard.

‘Jez will be greatly missed now that he is moving forward in his career.

‘Jez’s dedication to pass on his 28 years worth of knowledge has seen that the crews of Newton Abbot will always be able to continue the professionalism and high standards he has always sought to uphold.’

Among the many comments from colleagues, friends and family were:

‘Well done Jez. 28 years dedicated to protecting the town and place you call home. Respect mate’

‘A real class act. Great leader and example of how the job should be done. Huge loss to 28 but there are some great firefighters coming through who will carry on in his manner. Thanks for your service mate and your continued great work at 18.

‘Well done Jez, the end of an era! Hope you enjoy the new found freedom. Was a pleasure to serve with you.’

‘Well done Jez great work! I remember when you started back in the Plymco days! Brilliant.’

‘Well done Jez amazing service 28 years and made even more remarkable due to just how busy Newton is meaning even more time away from loved ones, top drawer fella,’

‘Well done Jez amazing work! I remember when we worked at plymco one minute u where there the next u where out the door when your pager would go off keep up great work.’

‘All the best Jez,learnt loads from you at my time at the mighty 28,take care mate.’

‘Well done Jez! Scary how the 28years has flown by! They were lucky to have such a professional, caring person leading their way! Enjoy some time ‘off call’!! We are all so proud of what you’ve achieved.’