A commander who led Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service’s arson task force is to retire after more than 30 years’ service.

Station Commander Martin Boome established the Arson Investigation Unit with Safer Peterborough Partnership in 2009, working with a range of partners and organisations to drive down deliberate fires in the county.

He has also developed and nurtured relationships with the police to assist the Service’s mission to combat arson, and has recently led a team of highly trained fire investigators.

Martin, of Thorney, was presented with his firefighting figurine by Chief Fire Officer Graham Stagg and colleagues at his retirement party at Dogsthorpe Fire Station on Friday (October 3).

He said: “Firefighting has been a huge part of my life for so long and I’ve so many fond memories and stories. I couldn’t have done it without my family who I love dearly and who have supported me the whole way through.

“I have worked with some inspirational people who I will never forget and I’d like to thank every single person who I have had the pleasure of working with over the past three decades for helping make memories that will last the rest of my lifetime.”

Chief Fire Officer Graham Stagg commented on Martin’s outstanding career, highlighting how his personable approach and determined attitude helped him become a champion in driving down arson in Peterborough.

Graham said: “Martin was given a huge task when he took on the Arson Investigation Unit nearly five years ago, but he didn’t shy away from tackling what was known as the arson capital of the country. Instead, he built invaluable relationships with the police, worked hard with fire investigators and played an instrumental role in educating communities to deliver results.

“Everyone in both the fire service and I’m sure in many of our partner agencies are sorry to see Martin leave after more than 30 years. He is a key figure in the industry and has left a legacy, especially in Peterborough. We thank him for his service and wish him all the best in his retirement.” The 58-year-old’s firefighting career started after he moved to Thorney in 1979 and joined the village’s on-call station, at which he served for

18 years. Within weeks of starting, he said he knew the fire service “was the job for me”.

Martin said: “I’ve worked with numerous people throughout my 30 years as a firefighter and in-charge, and whatever job we have been sent to I have always admired the professionalism and efforts of our firefighters.

“It’s a unique job and when the bells go down or sonics go off, someone needs our help whether it is a fire, road traffic collision, or someone with a finger stuck in a leaking waterbed - yes, that has happened to me.

“Whatever situation we are sent to, we are known as a ‘Can Do’ organisation.”

Some of the largest incidents he has attended include fires at RAF Brampton, Tee-Kee Packaging in Peterborough and the Fengate explosion in 1989.

Martin’s most recent role was as the arson liaison officer, spending a majority of his time based at the Peterborough fire stations.

As a keen footballer in previous years, one of Martin’s highlights of working for the fire service included representing the Service in the

brigade football club. Another of Martin’s fondest memories also includes organising visits to the children’s ward at Peterborough Hospital on Christmas morning to give presents to the children.

He also told of how the fire service has been a huge part of his family’s life. “In total I spent 18 years as an on-call firefighter at Thorney and most on-call firefighters know the commitment that is required; just as you are about to start Christmas dinner or light the barbecue the alerter goes off, and off you go.

“Both of my then young children Kelly and Andrew have always had the fire service in the background whilst growing up, whether it was attending the parties held on station or choosing their fancy dress as firefighters.

“I have been married for 37 years to my wife Sue and on occasions the alerter going off has saved me from starting the decorating or weeding the garden. So, unofficially, there are times when it’s a saviour!”

Martin served as a firefighter in Huntingdon and Dogsthorpe, before spending time at the Service’s training centre. Martin climbed the ranks

to station commander, managing Ely, Wisbech and the Peterborough stations, as well as also spending time in the role of community risk manager in Fenland.