The station commander at Caerphilly Fire Station has retired after more than 18 years in the role.
Steve Logan, who joined the fire service in 1982, retired after 36 years of service.
But despite his retirement, Mr Logan will continue to be involved with the youth cadets and Blazing to Serbia.
Mr Logan said: “I’ve always been interested in the fire service. I didn’t want a repetitive office job, it just wasn’t me.
“I loved every single second. The ability to make a difference was very fulfilling.”
Before becoming the station commander in Caerphilly, Mr Logan did the same role in Merthyr Tydfil.
“I didn’t want to go to Caerphilly originally, but the station personnel and the people of Caerphilly made me feel at home.”
Mr Logan went on to become involved with the fire cadets in 2003, which he is still involved with despite his retirement.
He said: “The fire cadets are trying to promote good role models to kids. There’s a strong discipline aspect to it too.
“Many of the young cadets have gone on to join the fire service.”
During his time in the service, Mr Logan has visited Serbia more than 30 times through the Blazing to Serbia project.
and Steve Logan
The project has seen 27 fire engines donated to communities in Serbia, where the fire safety equipment is far below the standard in the UK.
“Following a conversation with a Scout leader who had been to Serbia, I decided to set up the project.
“Since 2012, we’ve also worked with the Red Cross of Serbia to deliver Christmas gifts for needy children.”
Mr Logan, who was awarded an MBE in 2016 for his work with the project, added: “I had never been there before Blazing to Serbia. I found myself in a fortunate position to help.
“I had heard of Serbia on the news because of the war, where they were portrayed as the bad guys, but I’ve never met more friendlier people than in Serbia.”
During his time in the fire service, Mr Logan has seen a considerable amount of change.
“When I first started we wore rubber wellingtons and cork helmets, which had to be sent back each year to be gloss-painted,” he said.
“The uniforms were never fire-proof – but it’s much safer now.”
Mr Logan, who officially retired on December 31 last year, added: “Vehicles, equipment and training is now far beyond when I joined and another difference is how much more aware people are of smoke alarms.”
Mr Logan’s children have followed in his footsteps into the fire service. His son, Josh is now a firefighter in Merthyr Tydfil and even got married at the old Glamorgan Fire headquarters where his father once worked.
Mr Logan’s daughter, Ashley, works in a non-operational role in Tonypandy Fire Station while his other son, Samuel, was involved with the fire cadets as a teenager.
One of Mr Logan’s main reasons for retiring was to spend more time with his family and his two grandchildren.
“My wife hasn’t had to do much ironing since I’ve retired. It’s nice that I can relieve the burden off her by doing the house work.
Mr Logan revealed the thing he misses most about work is the people.
He said: “The number one aspect of every fire service is the people. The people are more important than the equipment and the vehicles.
“After almost 37 years it was one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make. The fire service is like a family.”