One of Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue's longest serving firefighters retires
Russell Gooderham has been with the service for 41 years.
Cambridgeshire's Fire & Rescue Service is saying goodbye to one of their longest serving firefighters.
Russel Gooderham, watch commander at Kimbolton station, has retired after 41 years with the service.
The 62 year old attended his last drill night (Friday 31st January) and signed off from his operational duties.
Russell said: “I would like to thank everyone I have served with and wish them all the very best for the future especially the current crew at the station.
"I have had a great career, and I do not regret a single minute.
“The crew around me have been a great support over the years.
"I have been lucky enough to serve with some fantastic people, many I remain friends with.
"My family have also offered me and the station fantastic support over the years.
“I have seen many changes over 41 years.
"Equipment is the biggest thing with advances in breathing apparatus and rescue equipment, as well as the protective kit that we wear.
"I leave the station with a great team that I will certainly miss and wish you all the best.
“Retirement will hopefully allow me to travel more and finish my garden landscaping. I also enjoy fishing, which I intend to do more of."
Russell’s career was celebrated at a retirement party held at the station, where he was presented with a firefighter figurine by Chief Fire Officer Matthew Warren, as well as a mounted silver axe by the crew.
He was joined by his wife Joanne, daughter Daisy, who works in the Service’s Fire Control, along with colleagues from other stations and former colleagues.
Matthew said: “To give this length of service is a phenomenal achievement and one that we quite rightly celebrate.
"We thank Russell for his dedication, and also thank his family for their huge support over last four decades.”