TRIBUTES have been paid to a dedicated Dorset firefighter and ‘true gentleman’ who spent more than 25 years saving lives across the county.

The flag outside the headquarters of Dorset Fire and Rescue Service flew at half-mast today in honour of a man who dedicated more than a quarter of a century to protecting the people of Dorset.

Anthony Blackwell, affectionately known as Tony, passed away on Wednesday, August 5 aged 70.

He joined DFRS as a retained firefighter in 1975 and, before his retirement, had held the post of station officer at Wareham Fire Station for more than a decade.

Tony re-joined the service in 2013 as a community volunteer and just two weeks ago had been one of the volunteers supporting Swanage Fire Station at their open day.

Darran Gunter, DFRS chief fire officer said: “We send our deepest condolences and sympathy to Tony's wife Sarah, their family and to his many friends and colleagues at this very sad time.

"The fire service is a close knit organisation and we are all feeling the pain and loss. Tony was a very popular member of the service and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.”

As a volunteer, Tony gave his time to a wide variety of service activities and took great pride in the work he carried out with the ‘Safe Drive Stay Alive’ team, educating young people about the importance of driving safely on Dorset’s roads.

His funeral was held today at St Edward, King and Martyr Church in Corfe Castle.

As a mark of respect, firefighters from Wareham and Swanage fire stations formed a guard of honour and a fire engine from Wareham Fire Station was positioned outside the church adorned with a floral tribute.

Nicky Jenkins, DFRS volunteer co-ordinator, said: “Our abiding memories of Tony will be of a true gentleman, fun-loving and loyal, dedicated to his family and to keeping the people of Dorset safe.

"We will never forget him; Tony made a lasting impression on our service and will be remembered fondly by everyone who worked alongside him."

Ben Ansell, assistant chief fire officer, said Tony’s ‘warm smile and gentle demeanour’ would be sadly missed by all those who had the pleasure of spending time with him.

He said his thoughts are with Tony's family, friends and colleagues.

Cllr Rebecca Knox, chairman of the Dorset Fire Authority, said: “Tony will be remembered by all of his colleagues and thousands of residents who he met whether through his work in schools or at the many community events he attended, giving home safety advice with a sensitive understanding approach.

“The members of the Dorset Fire Authority send their deepest thanks for the service he provided to the community of Dorset.”