A firefighter has retired after a huge 47-year stint at his station in Cumbria.

Kevin Byers, a previous watch manager at Longtown Fire Station, has retired after 47 years of service to Cumbria and neighbouring services.

A spokesperson from Longtown Fire Station published a tribute on their social media page on February 28, which read: “Tonight saw the completion of the final day on call at Longtown Fire Station for watch manager Kevin Byers.

“Kevin has been on call at Longtown for 47 years.

“That’s 47 years of protecting our community, of attending all manner of incidents from house fires, RTC’s and floods to the Lockerbie air disaster.

“Nobody exemplifies service like Kevin, and he will be greatly missed by his crew and the fire service.

“We wish you unbroken sleep, no more missed occasions, no more ruined meals and no more being on edge waiting for that call.”

Station manager Ant Rooney commended Kevin on his continuous service over the years and said:
“Kevin has served Longtown, Cumbria and surrounding areas for 47 years which is an incredible commitment to his communities.

“He also held a leadership role at Longtown Fire Station where he has supported new firefighters through their development stage to become competent firefighters.

“Kevin is a shining example of the best of our hard-working firefighters and has dedicated his life to helping others at what is often their most difficult time.

“Our on-call firefighters are highly valued in our communities and by the service, so Kevin deserves the utmost thanks for this amazing achievement.”

John Mallinson, who represents the Longtown and the Border ward at Carlisle City Council, commented on Kevin’s commitment: “47 years is an awfully long time, it’s more than half of a lifetime.

“It is people that give up their time to support the community when they are in their greatest time of need,

“I think the people of Longtown will be missing him.”

David Shepherd, who also represents the Longtown and the Border ward at Carlisle City Council, added: “All I can say is it’s great to have people like that who are totally committed to their profession.

“It’s a tough job and they have to endure a very tough task that the general public doesn’t see.”

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