Newton Abbot’s chief fire fighter, Phil Scammells, has said farewell to the job he has dedicated more than 30 years to.

An emotional farewell reception was held at Newton Abbot Fire Station’s drill night to pay tribute to the man who has worked his way up from firefighter to watch manager since joining the service in 1987.

Phil’s final day on call was on Sunday at midnight.

Over the years Phil has been involved with all major fire incidents in the town, including two serious fires at Trago Mills.

He earned a commendation from the fire service for the time he kept someone alive at the scene of a road traffic accident.

Crew manager at Newton Abbot, Jordan Leaman, said: ‘Seeing Phil leave will be a huge change for all of us at the station. He has dedicated so many years of his life to the service.

‘His finger has been on the pulse of everything we do and he’s always the person we go to for advice or help. He is so approachable to everyone.’

The watch manager has overall responsibility for the station, which has a total of 20 personnel (three watch managers, three crew managers and 14 firefighters) and two fire appliances.

Newton Abbot Fire Station is located on The Avenue and covers the towns and villages of Newton Abbot, Denbury, East and West Ogwell, Abbotskerswell, Ipplepen and Kingsteignton.

The staff also undertake a range of community safety activities that are primarily aimed at preventing fires, deaths and injuries in fires.

In the past Phil worked as a full time firefighter at Exeter Airport, ran a printing firm on the Avenue in Newton Abbot and put in a stint as station manager in a group support role at Torquay Fire Station.

Newton Abbot mayor, Cllr Richard Jenks, said: ‘Phil richly deserves a long and happy retirement, he’s given so much of his time and energy to our community.

‘We just assume that in emergencies we call 999 and know help will be on its way but without the dedication and sacrifice of people like Phil that just wouldn’t be the case.

‘The situations he has faced throughout his long career must have been harrowing at times but hopefully rewarding too.

‘There have doubtless been many occasions for which we owe him big time but one in particular comes to mind.

‘In September 2005 a blaze at Jackson’s fish and chip restaurant threatened to bring an 80-year-old family tradition to an end and destroy a number of neighbouring properties.

‘There were two explosions that afternoon but Phil and his team had the situation under control within an hour and as we know, Jacksons is still very much there and thriving.

‘I’m sure all of Newton Abbot thanks Phil for that!’

Newton Abbot MP, Anne Marie Morris, said: ‘Phil has been a fantastic example of public service and a real asset to the local . I wish him a very happy retirement.’

Deputy mayor of Newton Abbot, Cllr Mike Joyce, said: ‘To have known Phil has been an honour. I met Phil not long after becoming a town councillor and over that period from then until now, our relationship has grown with an understanding of our different roles and how both benefitted each other.

‘We quickly established a rapport that resulted in Phil and I meeting on a regular basis enabling an exchange of views and ideas, contributing to the community within Newton Abbot among the residents and businesses of our town.

‘He is a well known and trusted member of the community, who makes time to engage with the public whenever the opportunity presented itself.’