A LONG-SERVING Carlisle firefighter retired yesterday.

Steve Bell, from Carlisle East Fire Station, ended his career yesterday after his final night shift.

Steve had been with Cumbria Fire Service for nearly 23 years, having joined on December 28, 1998.

He is from Carlisle and worked as a mechanic in the fire service workshops before starting as a firefighter.

A spokesperson from Carlisle East Fire Station said: "Steve was a terrific firefighter, and always reliable in high pressure situations.

"His actions and bravery over the years have definitely contributed to many lives being saved, and he will be a big miss to Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, and the communities of Carlisle and the surrounding areas.

"We wish Steve all the best for a long and happy retirement!"

On their Twitter, Carlisle East Fire Station said: "A sad day at Carlisle East today, as we say goodbye to Firefighter Steve Bell, who finished his last night shift this morning and retired, having spent 23 years serving the communities of Cumbria, and beyond.

"Steve joined Cumbria Fire Service in 1998, and has spent his entire career based in Carlisle, where he has been a Green Watch stalwart for the majority of his time in the fire service.

"Before joining as a firefighter, Steve worked as a mechanic in the fire service workshops, and he was a handy man to have around whenever something vehicle related needed doing!

"He is well known for his ability to talk the hind legs off a donkey, and the Green Watch management team had almost perfected the art of hurrying him along and getting him back on track, whenever he went off on a tangent on either a safe and well visit or school talk!

"All the best for the future Steve, you will be a big miss.

"I’m not crying, you are."