THE long service of a pair of Bovey Tracey's finest was recognised last week in a ceremony at their home station.

Born and bred in Bovey, Jon 'JJ' Jury, who was served at the town's fire station for 23 years, was presented his long service and good conduct medal by Station Manager Dan Searle.

During these more than two decades at Bovey Tracey Fire Station, JJ has attended many incidents, the most memorable of which is perhaps a fire at Trago Mills in 2004 where he served as Crew Manager.

Unbeknownst to the firefighter, the crew had invited his family and his mentors from years past to be present at the ceremony, making it all the more special.

It was, however, not just JJ who had cause to celebrate, elsewhere Firefighter Johnny Moore, who is currently the station's longest serving crew member, was recognised for his long service too.

Johnny celebrated his long service and good conduct in a ceremony a few years ago and had intended to hold a joint celebration with JJ but due to the pandemic they were delayed, hence a joint celebration for both JJ and Johnny was held last week.

Johnny, who is now a caretaker at the local school, can often be seen responding to calls on his bike!

The firefighter, like JJ, also looks back at the Trago Mills fire as his most memorable incident, in part because of the number of pumps mobilised, but also because the crew spent a week returning to the incident to dampen down hot spots.

A spokesman for Bovey Tracey Fire Station said: 'On behalf of everyone at the station, past and present, thank you Firefighter Jury and Firefighter Moore for you dedication to Bovey Tracey.'