A FIREFIGHTER has retired after 30 years' service responding to more than 10,000 incidents. 

Station commander Mike Parkes, of Ferndown fire station, has clocked up more than 190,000 hours of service over the past three decades. 

Having joined Ferndown fire station in 1994 while he was working for the Atomic Energy Authority in Winfrith, Mike started out covering the night shift and weekend. 

But when his job moved to Bovington, he started giving on call cover for Bere Regis fire station as well as Ferndown. 

Eventually with his skill and ambition being recognised, in 1997 Mike became a leading firefighter, soon becoming the officer in charge – a position he held for 24 years. 

In a tribute statement for Mike’s retirement, Ferndown fire station said: “Joining Mike’s colleagues present and past, the assistant chief fire officer commended his tremendous commitment to the fire service and to the wider community over such a prolonged period. 

“Along with a presentations of a traditional firefighters axe, a service certificate and plaque, Mike was also presented with his King’s Coronation Medal. 

“Speaking after the presentation Mike paid tribute to the many people he’d served with over the years and spoke of his immense sense of pride having been such a part of a great team for such a long time. 

“Having been such a huge part of our station for such a long time we wish Mike a very happy and well deserved retirement.”