Now Mr Bray is retiring from the Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service after a distinguished career, marking the end of an era at Beccles Fire Station.

Mr Bray, 68, first joined the fire service in July 1998, later becoming a familiar and respected figure in the area.

Tim Bray has described Beccles Fire Station as the best in Suffolk (Image: Supplied)

Over the years, he rose through the ranks to become watch manager, a role he has held longer than anyone else in the station's history.

He said: "I joined because the watch manager at the time kept knocking on my door.

"I lived very close to the station, and........

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