THE final alarm is sounding for fireman Gary Phillips after more than three decades in the service.

The Warwickshire deputy chief fire officer will be retiring this April after 32 years in the service, leaving behind him a legacy of improved public and home safety.

Mr Phillips joined West Midlands Fire Brigade in March 1984 and spent 21 years serving the communities of the area. During this time he was instrumental in the development of the first ever 'community' fire station in Handsworth. He also played a key role in developing new training facilities across the brigade and was the strategic lead officer in planning, managing and delivering brand new fire stations across the whole of the West Midlands area.

A transfer to Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service in 2005 saw him take up the post of assistant chief fire officer. In this role Mr Phillips was instrumental in developing 'Homeshield' a multi-agency approach to home safety, as well as developing a partnership with the MoD in Suffolk, which resulted in a joint MoD/fire service training centre at an airbase in the county.

Arriving in Warwickshire as deputy chief fire officer in 2010, He he has led the campaign for the installation of sprinklers across the county in schools, homes and businesses and has led the transformation of the service through reducing unwanted calls, delivering change to crewing systems on fire stations and delivering savings, whilst improving public safety.

Talking about his retirement, Mr Phillips said: "It has been a privilege and honour to have worked in the fire service for 32 years. To be entrusted with the responsibility to provide effective safety to thousands of people is truly humbling and I will always remain proud of the unique service we deliver to the people of Warwickshire and beyond.

“Although I am sad to be retiring from the job I love I am excited about what the new chapter in my life will bring. I am sure that whenever I see a fire engine around the towns and villages of Warwickshire that the sense of pride and respect for what our firefighters do will bring a lump to my throat.”

Chief Executive for Warwickshire County Council, Jim Graham said;

“I would like to thank Gary for his commitment and hard work during his time in Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service. Gary has been an exceptional deputy chief fire officer whose hard work and commitment has made Warwickshire a safer place to live, work and visit. I wish him all the very best for the future and hope that he has a long and happy retirement.”