A LONG-SERVING firefighter who worked at Potters Bar fire station has retired.

Red watch commander Glyn Teare, who has been based in the town since 2001, completed his final shift last Wednesday, after 25 years in the fire service.

Officers from across the county gathered at Potters Bar to watch the 51-year-old receive a certificate to mark his quarter century of service.

And in time-honoured fashion, an unsuspecting Mr Teare was also doused with a bucket of cold water hurled from the roof of the fire station.

The sopping wet dad-of-two, who lives in Hertford, described his time in the fire service as “cracking”.

He also admitted he would miss his work colleagues.

Station commander Charlie Brown paid tribute to Mr Teare, who he described as a “very keen” firefighter.

“He will be missed,” Mr Brown told the Potters Bar Edition.

“He has got lots of experience and he was a very good officer.”

Mr Teare, a former member of the RAF Regiment, plans to cycle extensively during his retirement.

He will also serve as a retained firefighter at Hertford.