THE longest serving member of Modbury Fire Station has retired and will be ‘hard to replace’ according to watch manager Pete Watts.

Martin Pepperell hung up his uniform for the last time on Tuesday, January 3, and retired after 33 years of service.

Martin started with Devon Fire Service, now Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, on Tuesday, May 17, 1983. This has made him the longest serving member of his station since it reopened in 1969, based out of the old station on New Road.

Martin said he had ‘done his time’ with the service, having seen six different watch managers in his career, and was looking forward to spending his retirement with his wife and children, but that he had had a ‘good time’ as part of the Modbury crew.

Martin still has his ‘day job’ as a tanker driver, and says he keeps looking around for his beeper before remembering he doesn’t have it anymore.

Pete Watts said: ‘In all that time he has been a key member of the team, both as a firefighter and, since October 2007 as a crew manager – leading crews both on station and at incidents. He will be hard to replace.

‘The balance between family, work and being a retained firefighter takes commitment and dedication and Martin’s experience and support have been very commendable.’

During his career he has attended thousands of incidents, around the South Hams and Plymouth, including the big Dingles fire in 1988 which destroyed the upper half of the department store.

‘It doesn’t matter if it is a large incident or a small chimney fire, you know when you get a call on your pager, somebody, somewhere needs your help.’ Martin said.

Pete Watts continued: ‘Martin stands out for his loyal and distinguished career. He has been an integral part of our station for as long as I can remember. It is a truly remarkable achievement to serve your community for that length of time and we all wish him well in his retirement.

‘It would be fair to say that without him - his dedication, knowledge and expertise - there are those within our community whose homes, lives, and families would have been worse off.

‘I would also like to extend my personal thanks to his wife Elaine and children Luke and Natalie for understanding and the unending support they have shown over the years.’

Martin was presented with a shield by newest recruit Lucy Whitehorn and a certificate by watch manager Pete Watts to celebrate his retirement on Thursday, February 9.

Fire stations across the South Hams are recruiting for retained fire fighters. There are smaller contracts available for working parents, so if you thought you wouldn’t be able to be part of your local fire crew, you should think again.

Pete added: ‘If you feel you would be happy to not only live in our community – but protect it too; then pop along to, or contact your local fire station through their Facebook page, or visit: www.dsfire.gov.uk and click on ‘Working for Us” – don’t worry they won’t insist on you serving as long as Martin…..’

You can also pop along to the station on drill nights, Modbury’s is Tuesday evenings from 7pm-9pm, and the team would be happy to talk to you and show you around.