NEWTON Abbot Fire Station has presented three local businesses with an award in recognition of their long-standing commitment to supporting on-call firefighters (FF).

B&Q, Teignbridge Propellers and Benbow Group were all presented with a certificate by crew from Station 28.

The award recognises the companies’ long-standing support of the station, having allowed and supported several of their respective employees, both past and present, to operate as on-call firefighters while working for them.

Firefighters James Lavis, Dan Harrity, Gary Robinson and Mark are among the current on-call crew members supported by these three businesses, which, between them, have supported Newton Abbot Fire Station for more than 30 years.

Station Commander Scott Leaman, who is still an on-call firefighter, said: ‘The certificate is a small token of our appreciation to these companies for allowing their staff to go.

‘Today [Friday, July 5] has been a perfect example of that.

‘There was a fire at the bottom end of Coombeshead Road, and the crew was made up entirely of these guys.

‘Without these employers, we wouldn't be able to operate - we are indebted to them.’

There is nothing in law, nor are there incentivising schemes in place, compelling employers to allow their employees to leave if they are an on-call firefighter - it is purely a case of good will.

Pictured above: FF Dan Harrity, who has been with Teignbridge Propellers for seven years, Station Manager Scott Leaman, Teignbridge Propellers' Managing Director, Mark Phare, and the company's newest recruit Charlie Plyer.

Pictured above: Station Manager Scott Leaman, Benbow Group's Managing Director, Martin Gill, and FF Gary Robinson, who has spent 26 years with the company.

Benbow's has supported Newton Abbot Fire Station for more than 30 years.

B&Q manager, Wayne Conway, said: ‘James and Mark are crucial members of our team.

‘We are very proud to support their firefighting duties and all that they do for the community we both serve.