A committed watch commander is leaving his fire station after 30 years in the service.

Herts Advertiser: Members of green watch with watch commander Tony Bates take a ride on an old fire truck from the 1950'sMembers of green watch with watch commander Tony Bates take a ride on an old fire truck from the 1950's (Image: Archant)

Tony Bates, 52, has been serving since 1984, spending the last 17 years in St Albans. During an eventful career Tony has been called out to major incidents including the Buncefield oil terminal in Hemel Hempstead and the Hatfield train crash.

Tony was given a blazing farewell with a surprise tour around St Albans in a 50s fire engine.

He waved goodbye to his award winning career that saw him dubbed ‘Firefighter of the Year’ in 2009 for his heroic actions in rescuing someone from a house fire.

Tony also received a Chief Fire Officers Commendation in 1986 for his efforts in trying to save a person involved in a trench collapse.

District Commander Ian Markwell said: “Tony has been a well respected, professional and dedicated officer for many years and will certainly be missed by the fire service and the personnel at St Albans.

“We wish him all the very best in his well-earned retirement.”

Tony added: “I have been very lucky to work with a great team Green Watch throughout my years “.

He will continue to work with his own health and safety business, and retiring from the fire service will also free up time for him to spend with his family and “the odd round of golf”.