A RETAINED firefighter who has given 18 years of service, hung up his kit for the last time on Friday. Welwyn villager Brian Gill went running every time his pager called when on shift and even missed one of his three children s christenings. The 44-year

A RETAINED firefighter who has given 18 years of service, hung up his kit for the last time on Friday.

Welwyn villager Brian Gill went running every time his pager called when on shift and even missed one of his three children's christenings.

The 44-year-old from Wilshere Road was first at the scene of the recent Wellington pub fire, attended the Hatfield train crash in 2000 and the Buncefield oil explosion in 2005.

Mr Gill said he would miss the job and was looking forward to spending more time with the family, including wife Bridget.

He said: "She has put up with it all but she is looking forward to me hanging up my kit."

Watch commander Barry Stagg said: "Brian was always a steady, dependable and reliable member of the station and will be sorely missed at Welwyn."

Retained support officer Paul Macdonald added: "Brian's level of commitment over the years was outstanding and he gave a commendable level of service to the community both within Welwyn and across Hertfordshire.