FIREMAN Christopher Harris is retiring after 35 years service in Swindon.
The 51-year-old from Wootton Bassett, known as Christo among his colleagues, first joined the fire brigade in London in 1967.
Thirteen years later he moved to Wiltshire and became a station officer at Swindon Fire Station.
Although his role focused on fire safety, Christopher was also an operational officer who attended incidents.
He said: "It is a very interesting, fulfilling job. I will miss the working environment and hope to stay in touch with close colleagues."
But Christopher, who is married to Heather, is looking forward to having more time to himself and making full use of his caravan in Dorset.
A quiet farewell party is being held at the Conservative Club in Wootton Bassett, where Christopher will be given a surprise leaving present.
Mark Gaskart, assistant divisional officer at Swindon Fire Station, said: "Christo was one of our most experienced officers who had many skills to offer. He was always willing to give his valuable advice and will be sorely missed."
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