A long-standing firefighter has stood down from operational duty after 25 years of service to Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

Chris Boston, who has spent the last nine years as watch manager at Bovey Tracey Fire Station, has previously served at Ashburton, Torquay and Paignton Fire Stations.

While Chris will no longer be actively firefighting, he will remain committed to Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service as he continues his work on road safety, cadets and other community safety programmes.

A number of station and group commanders along with firefighters from Ashburton Buvkfastleigh and Moretonhampstead joined the Firefighters’ Charity and Chris’ family at Bovey Tracey Fire Station’s final drill night of 2025 on Tuesday (December 30) to bid farewell and thank Chris for his service.