FRIENDS, family, firefighters past and present and fire brigade officers gathered together on Saturday, September 12 at Trethorne Leisure Park to celebrate David Broad’s retirement from Delabole Fire Brigade after 40 years’ service.

David joined Delabole Fire Brigade on July 21, 1975 and retired on July 31. His father, Sam, also served with Delabole Fire Brigade and retired after 37 years, so together they gave a joint service of 77 years, which is a rare occurrence.

David and his wife, Edwina, have supported Delabole Fire Service in all charity events held over the years and are renowned for their tombola stall at the annual station fete. He was also one of the crew who were first on scene at Boscastle during the major flood back in August 2004.

David was presented with a certificate from area manager Mark Hewitt to honour his long service, and Delabole station manager Mark Saltern presented him with a group photograph and a firefighters’ ‘Saved’ figurine.

The gathering also enjoyed a DVD, which captured a snapshot of David’s last 40 years both in his personal life and that within the fire service. The crew also added personal messages during the DVD and performed their own version of So Long, Farewell from the Sound of Music, which had the party in fits of laughter.

David will be missed by the crew of Delabole Fire Brigade and was wished a long and happy retirement.