Long-serving firefighter Mick Murphy slid down the pole of Chiswick fire station for the final time last week after 30 years serving communities across west London.

Watch manger Mick Murphy retired after more than 20 years at Chiswick and 10 years at neighbouring stations including Heston, Fulham, Ealing and Kensington.

Described by colleagues as 'one of the old school guys', Mick enjoyed a retirement party at Fullers Social Club in Chiswick last Tuesday.

He was joined by over 100 friends and colleagues and presented with a mounted axe in recognition of his long and loyal service.

Colleague Kieron Kelly told the Chronicle: "He will be missed very much by his colleagues both professionally and socially, they don't make firemen like him these days."

Mick, who lives with his wife Sue and two sons, Steve and Sam, in Worcester Park, Surrey, first came to Chiswick in 1983 and became a leading firefighter in 1989.

He then went to another station for a year or two before returning as a sub-officer, a position which was soon replaced by the title Watch Manager A.

"I love my job," said Mick, 50. "I'll miss the watch and the people I work with, they are a good laugh and a good team, we work well together.

"The big hurricane of 1987 is a memory that stands out for me most while in the brigade.

"We had a house fire that went sideways instead of up, setting the neighbour's house on fire, and all the trees were blowing over. It was really exciting.

"I'm looking forward to spending some quality time with my family now."

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