HE HAS served the people of Whitchurch for four decades.

Now, the community has given back to Steve Boxall, a retained firefighter at Whitchurch fire station who is retiring after 40 years of service.

The dedicated 65-year-old, who has battled blazes, saved lives and rescued people from wrecked cars in the town since 1975, was joined by family and colleagues last Wednesday to recognise his service.

Mr Boxall was praised by his Hampshire Fire and Rescue colleagues and members of the community for his work and was given a certificate in recognition of his long service.

Station commander Paul Riddell labelled Mr Boxall’s service as “dedicated and exemplary” and thanked him for his hard work.

Mr Riddell said: “Steve will be sorely missed, and I know he will miss us. His personality, enthusiasm, love for the job and dedication is beyond reproach.

“We wish him all the best in his retirement and congratulate him for an outstanding career and dedication to the community for 40 years.”

Mr Boxall has been involved in some of the biggest incidents in the area over the last four decades, including the Mercantile Credit fire of 1991 when a blaze took hold of a 17-storey building in Basing-stoke. The dad-of-four was also present at the tragic Tangley house fire in 2000 that killed former Romsey MP Michael Colvin.

Asked what he had enjoyed most about the job, Mr Boxall said: “I think it’s just the camaraderie of everyone and the support from colleagues at this station and others. I joined on the night of my daughter’s birthday because a friend of my wife said they were short of firefighters.

“She looked after my wife and I came down here for a chat – I’ve never looked back since and I’ve had a great time doing it.”

Mr Boxall’s wife Brenda was presented with flowers for the “sacrifice she has endured during Steve’s time as a retained firefighter” and both were wished a happy retirement.