UK's longest-serving living firefighter retires from Shropshire fire service at 70

Now Roger Smith, the longest serving current firefighter in the UK, is to retire from Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The 70-year-old, who lives in Market Drayton, has been fighting fires since 1967 and hung up his helmet at a final drill session at the town's fire station this week.

"I am apparently the longest serving living firefighter in the country although I am a bit disappointed as I did want to get to 50 years. But due to my health, it's time to retire," he said. "It's unbelievable how the years have gone by but it has been a very enjoyable experience."

During his career he attended many serious incidents, including the Tern Hill Barracks Bombing in 1989, Cox's Chemicals fire and both of the COD Donnington fires.

He was in charge when miscanthus grass burst into flames at a farm resulting in one of the county's fiercest blazes which needed six fire appliances to attend. "

It doesn't matter if it is a large incident or small chimney fire, you know when you get a call, potentially, somebody somewhere needs your help," he said.

Mr Smith, who has been officer-in-charge at Market Drayton for the past seven years, said his wife Margaret had lost count of the number of spoilt meals which had ended up in the bin. "Of course my good lady has had to put up with the fire service for more than 40 years so I will now be able to spend more time with her," he said.

"We have got two grandchildren and a lot of friends and family so a lot of my retirement will be spent with them."

Recognised for his distinguished service in 2014, he received the High Sheriff's Good Citizen's Award for his "substantial contribution" to society and for making "a significant difference" to the safety and well being of his local community.

After joining the fire service on March 14, 1967, he started his career at the old fire station in Prospect Road, Market Dayton.

Progressing through the ranks, he was promoted to leading firefighter in 1972, sub officer in 1983 and took command of the station on January 1, 2008. Mr Smith added: "I formally retire on Monday so I think it won't really hit me until Tuesday."

Chief fire officer John Redmond said: "

Roger stands out for his loyal and distinguished career. It is a truly remarkable achievement to serve for that length of time. We wish him well in his retirement."

Elected to Market Drayton Town Council in 2004, Mr Smith has been an active councillor and was appointed deputy mayor in 2009 and also had the distinction of becoming an honorary townsman.

In 2010 he was elected mayor, following in the footsteps of his father who was the town's first mayor in 1974. Married to Margaret for nearly 44 years, the couple ran an electric business in the town for 41 years.

Despite his retirement, the family firefighting tradition will continue as both his sons, Mark and Paul, are also Shropshire firefighters.