Local paramedic, Neil Freke, based at Paulton Ambulance Station, retired on Monday, 17th June, the fortieth anniversary of starting his career with the ambulance service.
Neil started with the Somerset County Ambulance Service, part of which merged with other services over the years to become what is now the South Western Ambulance Service Foundation Trust.
He said: "I've had a great career as a paramedic and feel so privileged to have been a part of so many people's lives. I've enjoyed a number of opportunities, from being a work-based assessor, being part of a small group establishing the response car programme, to helicopter winch training, with the RAF, useful for any adverse event in the Severn Estuary during construction of the second Severn Bridge, plus a short tour of duty on the Avon Police Helicopter."
At a surprise party at the station last Friday evening, his colleagues presented him with a paramedic figurine engraved with a plaque from his 'Paulton family,' gift vouchers and a stethoscope-shaped cake, made by Jane, one of the younger members, and the team also presented Neil's wife with a large bouquet.
Looking ahead to his retirement, Neil said: "I look forward to leaving the gruelling twelve-hour shifts behind and spending more time with my wife, Margaret, my two children and my two grandchildren and to enjoy my passion for caravanning, fishing, wine-making and photography. My large garden needs some attention, too!"