Tributes have been made to a local fireman who served his community for over three decades. Garry White passed away last week after a long career with Wells' fire and rescue team dating back to 1982.
Wells Fire Station posted a tribute to the beloved fireman on Facebook last weekend (Friday, May 2): "It’s with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of former watch manager Garry White this week. Garry served Wells and the local community for an incredible 33 years, starting in 1982 and finally retiring in 2015.
"Even after retiring, he would regularly pop to the station for a chat with everyone and was instrumental in training Wells firefighters both past and present. He was an inspirational figure who will be sadly missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with Garry’s family at this difficult time."
The post attracted a lot of heartfelt tributes from those who knew and loved Garry. One local man said: "Sad news. Served with him until 1990 then along side attending jobs as a paramedic. A big hearted well loved man."
Another wrote: "God bless Garry. I joined Shepton the same year Garry joined Wells. We did our basic training together.
"We made Sub Officer of our respective Stations. I had a lot of respect for Garry. We would meet often at incidents, have a chat and a laugh. A lovely man."
Other co-workers described him as "a great and honest man to serve with", and a privilege to serve with. Meanwhile, his daughter lovingly wrote: "My dad was always so proud to be in fire service. It was his life."
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