TWO Saltash firemen, with a total joint service of 62 years, retired on Saturday evening when a social evening was held at the fire station.
Philip Bunce retired after 32 years and Ken Bennetts after 30 years.
The firemen were presented with certificates, and commemorative plates with the Cornish coat of arms, by Ken Thompson who praised their commitment to the job.
Saltash fire station officer Nick Coombe said both were well-respected and devoted to the service.
He presented them with solid brass fire-axe replicas, mounted on oak plinths, the plinths made from an oak tree chopped down following a fire at Ince Estates, which both men had attended in l988.
Bouquets were given to the wives of the two firemen, Janet Bunce and Pat Bennetts, by Wendy Coombe.
As a special farewell the men had been collected from their homes for the evening by the fire engine - to give them a final ride.
Ken started his fire service career in Truro in l971, moving to Saltash in l976.
The men, both qualified drivers, thanked their wives and families for their support.
Vacancies
A buffet supper was provided by the committee and fire brigade wives, and a cake, decorated with two firemen in icing, was made by Mrs Howes.
Nick said with the two men retiring there were two vacancies at the station.
Anyone wishing to apply, who is over the age of l8 and in good health, should call in at the station on Tuesday evening to see the station officer.