FIREFIGHTER Ian Donovan has received a commendation for serving the people of Okehampton for four decades.

The station commander was presented with a medal for his 40 years of service at a special Fire Service Award Ceremony last week.

Ian joined the Devon Fire Brigade as a retained firefighter on October 22 1976 at Okehampton.

He was promoted to leading firefighter in 1979 and then sub officer in 1983, being further promoted to station officer in 1984.

Ian has remained at Okehampton Fire Station during his career with the service serving as the Station Commander for 34 years.

‘Receiving the award for long service felt a bit surreal,’ said Ian. ‘Time has flown by and it’s been 34 years since I was put in charge of the station.

‘I have noticed significant changes in the last five years. Technology has come on leaps and bounds. The computerised system within the engines allows to get far more accurate information — it’s marvellous really. I am incredibly proud of the station and what it has become, we have a fantastic team.

‘I remember I first became a firefighter because it was a job that helped the community and one that really interested me.

‘In this job you see some horrendous things but you also help so many people along the way— and I think that is what keeps you going.’

Ian’s son John Donovan, who is his dad’s boss in the fire service, said he was proud of his father. As a retained firefighter, Ian has always combined being on call in his home town of Okehampton alongside his day job working for Western Power.

‘He has been in charge of the station for 34 years, which is a really long time, and he‘s seen many changes throughout that time,’ said John. ‘It is a huge commitment, particularly when you consider that it isn’t his full-time job. There have been times he’s had to sacrifice being out with the family because of his commitment to the fire service, and he’s been doing this for 41 years.’

Ian said he felt ‘very proud’ to receive his award but was ‘even prouder’ that Okehampton Fire Station won the Team Dedicated to Charity Work Award.

Last year, Ian led a team of firefighters from across North Devon who walked 84 miles in 24 hours whilst wearing full fire kit and breathing apparatus. The challenge took the team from Okehampton to Lynton.

The team raised over £10,000 for both the Fire Fighters’ Charity and Children’s Hospice South West.

The station received its award at a ceremony held at the Fire Service Headquarters in Exeter on Thursday, September 14.

The ceremony celebrated outstanding efforts from fire service personal from across the region and also commended those who had achieved long-service awards for 20 years or more.

Also receiving a long-service award for 20 years’ service were crew manager Paul Alford, who was based in Okehampton until he left the service in March this year, and crew manager Allan Seddon who was originally based in Moretonhampstead before moving to the Newton Abbot station.

Chief Fire Officer Lee Howell said: ‘This is an important time in our Service calendar as we recognise service, professionalism and actions beyond the call of duty.

‘Myself, colleagues, families and friends are all immensely proud of those who have received the awards and we are also recognising the part family and friends play in supporting our staff.’