A CUMBRIAN firefighter who has served in several key areas has retired after nearly four decades of service.

John Sayle saw his final shift for the Cumbria Fire and Rescue service on March 22 this year after serving in Kendal, Barrow, Ulverston and Grange since 1986.

John’s career saw him begin at Glaxowellcome as an industrial firefighter, before later joining Cumbria Fire & Rescue service in Grange in 1995; a role he continued with until the end of his career.

He later joined the regulars in 2005 at Barrow White Watch.

John said: “My last shift was on March 22, but I officially finish on the 30th of this month.

“My time in the fire service was incredible. There were never any two days alike. There are friendships you make that will last for a life time and we’ve been to all kinds of different incidents.

“I’ve also been in the paper a few times after a few different events and rescues.

“The rescue services have been going right the way through my family. My mum was a nurse, so was my sister and my dad was an ambulance man.

“It had gone through my family so back in the 80s I joined the service.

“I started with the regulars in Barrow back in 2005.

“I’m still in Grange now and each area I have worked has brought their own unique challenges.

“I enjoyed my time full stop. It’s been a great career.

“I’ve had 17 years as a regular fire fighter and 27 years on call or retained as it’s also known.

“My career finished as me working as a crew manager and I did some time as acting watch manager.

“I did a secondment for the regulars back in 2012 and later produced a road awareness training package which was used by a lot of fire service around the country. I didn’t make it alone but I headed up a group to educate 17–24-year-olds on the dangers of driving and road safety.

“In retirement I look forward to holidaying, golfing, and going out for walks with my girlfriend Sarah, and my two children.

“I’ll particularly look forward to not having to get up at the same time every week. I’ve worked night shifts for most of my life so it’ll be good to come back down to normal times.”

John and his team were part of the response to the Newby Bridge wildfire that occurred by the A590 on March 19.

John added: “I will miss this job but my last advice for others is please stay safe during this warm weather. Don’t leave cigarette ends or bottles out because they can cause wild fires out of nowhere.

“Also please be careful while swimming, just because it seems warm doesn’t mean the water will be and cold shock can hit very quickly.”