MOVING tributes have been paid to a firefighting stalwart who served communities in Hampshire and Dorset for three decades.

Steve Shuck, who passed away this week aged 63, served with both Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service and Dorset Fire & Rescue Service.

Earlier this week flags at fire stations were flown at half mast in his honour.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) announced the death of the retired firefighter.

DWFRS chief fire officer Ban Ansell said: "I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Steve Shuck, with whom I had the pleasure of working for many years.

"He is remembered fondly by so many colleagues, both within the fire service and amongst our partners and other agencies, for his operational command at large incidents, his innovative approach to prevention and fire safety, his commitment to charity work and his infectious laughter.

"I know everyone in DWFRS joins me in sending our deepest condolences to Steve’s wife Carol, his family and his many friends – he will be sorely missed."

Steve moved to Bournemouth as a youngster, eventually joining the fire service in 1978 and serving in Southampton for 11 years before transferring across to Dorset.

He served as Bournemouth's operations commander after holding the same position in Poole.

After years of frontline duties Steve moved into the area of fire safety.

Announcing the news of Steve's passing, a DWFRS spokesman said: "As a tribute to Steve, and his incredible contribution to the fire service, flags at stations and workplaces across the service are flying at half-mast today."

Speaking to the Daily Echo in February 2008, upon his retirement, Steve said: "I joined the job 30 years ago because I felt I needed more of a challenge.

"I have certainly had that in abundance."

On his command of various large incidents, he recalled: "At all of these the courage, teamwork, professionalism and sheer hard work of my officers and crews has never failed to impress me."