A firefighter's exceptional service to keeping his community safe for a remarkable 45 years will leave a "big hole" at Llanidloes Fire Station.

The Llanidloes crew gathered to celebrate Brian Hamer's retirement and his final drill night on Wednesday, May 1, and to pay tribute to his dedicated service over five decades with the fire service.

To mark Brian’s outstanding service, his colleagues, both serving and retired, friends and family came together to watch Assistant Chief Fire Officer Craig Flannery present him with his Certificate of Service.

Brian joined the then Powys Fire Brigade on April 25, 1979, and since then has consistently demonstrated dedication to public service.

County Times: Llanidloes firefighter Brian Hamer was presented with a Certificate of Service for his 45 years serving his community following his retirement on May 1.Llanidloes firefighter Brian Hamer was presented with a Certificate of Service for his 45 years serving his community following his retirement on May 1. (Image: MWWFRS)

County Times: The crew gathered at Llanidloes Fire Station to celebrate Brian Hamer’s retirement and his final drill night after 45 years on May 1, 2024.The crew gathered at Llanidloes Fire Station to celebrate Brian Hamer’s retirement and his final drill night after 45 years on May 1, 2024. (Image: MWWFRS)

Station Commander Martyn Field said: "Brian has given an exceptional service to the Fire and Rescue Service and his community. 

"It is extremely rare to have someone serve this long, and Brian will certainly leave a big hole at Llanidloes Fire Station, and he will be sorely missed by all.

"We all wish him well in his retirement and thank him for everything he has done during his career.”

Llanidloes is an on-call fire station, which means its firefighters get notified of an emergency call via a personal pager, which they carry with them when they are on duty.

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Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is currently recruiting on-call firefighters at all their on-call fire stations.

The role of an on-call firefighter provides many opportunities for personal and professional development, through training, teamwork, leadership and problem solving.  On-Call Firefighters receive payment for their services, including retainer fees and call-out payments, supplementing their income from other employment.

Find out more on how to become an on-call firefighter at www.mawwfire.gov.uk/eng/join-us/on-call-firefighter-recruitment/