A FIREFIGHTER who has spent 30 years saving lives has put out his last fire. 

Bridport firefighter Tristan Cox said farewell to his fellow officers at a ceremony at Bridport Fire Station on Monday. 

He was presented with a retirement plaque and a certificate in recognition of his 30 years’ service. 

Mr Cox, 49, comes from a long line of Bridport firefighters – his father, uncle and cousin were all part of the brigade. 

“I have enjoyed my time there but it felt like the right time to go,” said Mr Cox. “It’s a bit of a family tradition, which is why I joined. It’s in my blood. My father was always having to dash off when I was a kid.”

Mr Cox says the job has changed significantly since he started in 1987. 

“We went to a lot more house fires back then,” he said. “A lot has been done in terms of prevention since then and we don’t actually go to as many fires as we did. Equipment has also a long way.”

Asked about what he will miss most about the job, Mr Cox said: “I will miss the other firefighters and the teamwork. That is special. Everyone has different strengths and they all come together when we’re out on a job.”

Now that he has retired from the fire service, Mr Cox is looking forward to spending more time with his family – wife Karen, daughter Ellie, 20, and son James, 16.

“Being a firefighter is a big commitment,” said Mr Cox. “It’ll be nice for them not have the pager going off because you are always on call.”

At his leaving ceremony, Mr Cox was presented with his accolade from chief fire officer, Ben Ansell.

Mr Ansell said: “We would like to thank firefighter Cox for his dedication and service to the community for the last 30 years. He has been a dedicated and valued member of the team and we would like to wish him a happy retirement and all the best for the future.”

Mr Cox added: “I’d like to say a big ‘thank you’ to everyone who came and on the night and to all of the team.”

Fire station officer Nick Courtice, who worked with Tristan for 10 years, said: “Tristan is a very experienced firefighter and there aren’t many incidents he hasn’t been to. He is very good at his job. 

“He has a great sense of humour and it is a shame for us that he is going. He’s the last of the Coxes after 57 years at Bridport Fire Station. 

“Tristan has been a dedicated and valued member of the team and we will miss his wicked sense of humour and listening to his latest escapades.

“We would like to wish him a happy retirement and all the best for the future.”