Three decades celebrated as head of training centre bids farewell

29/09/2026

Colleagues got together to celebrate 30 years of firefighting as Group Commander Tony Burton retired from Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service.

A celebration event was held at Huntingdon Fire Station on Monday, where Tony was given a send off by colleagues past and present. He was presented with his firefighter figurine by Chief Fire Officer Matthew Warren.

Before holding his current role as head of the Service’s training centre in Huntingdon, Tony served much of his firefighting career at Cambridge Fire Station. He has also at Dogsthorpe Fire Station in Peterborough, before climbing the ranks to station commander, where he worked helping children and young people in community fire safety and as an operational support risk manager. He also managed Ely and Soham fire stations before he was promoted to take charge of the Service’s training centre.

Tony said: “I have been fortunate to serve in the fire service for 30 years and I have enjoyed my last day as much as my first. I would wholeheartedly recommend it as a career. I don’t have a specific favourite memory but collectively I have 30 years of happy memories and being surrounded by people that have been a part of that. I have had the privilege of working with some wonderful, incredibly talented people. The fire service is all about the team, and we are only ever as good as those around us. I have often needed support and guidance, and people have always been willing to give it.

“I am very grateful to everyone who has helped me along the way. In particular looking back, I want to thank my mum and my late dad. I was not from Cambridgeshire and, when I applied, I could not even get myself to headquarters for the interview. They brought me here and gave me all the support I needed, for which I will always be grateful.”

Chief Fire Officer Matthew Warren said: “Tony will be greatly missed by everyone at Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service. He is highly regarded by colleagues across the Service and has never had a negative word to say about anyone. As his career progressed over the years, Tony showed a genuine desire to learn and develop, which he was keen to pass onto colleagues, whether they were in the operational world or in a support role. Everyone wishes Tony all the best for in his well-earned retirement”

Reflecting on working for the Service, Tony added: “The best part about any role I have held within the Service has been serving the public, supporting people and helping them when they need it most. That has always been the element I have found most rewarding.

“The skills and qualities a firefighter needs have never changed. If you have a desire to serve your community, can work under pressure, solve problems, work as part of a team and communicate well, you have a very good starting point. I would encourage anyone with those qualities to give it a go. If I had the opportunity to return to May 2, 1996 and do it all again, I would say yes without a moment’s hesitation.”

In addition to the many roles Tony has had over the years, he has championed support and recognition for neurodiversity and has played a key role supporting colleagues.

He added: “There have been many positive changes over the years, particularly in technology, equipment, techniques, procedures and culture, especially around awareness and acceptance of those with a neurodiversity. However, the reason we are there has not changed: to serve our communities and help people when they need us most. The core attributes of a good firefighter have remained the same. Everything around the role has developed considerably, but at a fundamental level the basics of dealing with an incident are exactly the same and should never be lost or forgotten.”

Tony concluded: “I want to thank my wife, Hannah, and my children, Billy, Florence and Albert. The fire service is not always a job you can switch off from, and there were times when, although I was at home, my mind was elsewhere. Thank you for understanding that I may not always have been as present as I should have been. Finally, I want to thank my best mate, Barney. From the day I joined white watch at Cambridge, he has had my back. Although he retired ten years ago, he continues to support me as I move into retirement. He has helped me, and many others, over the years.

“I am looking forward to having more time to support my family and, as anyone who knows me will appreciate my other passion in life is following my beloved football team West Ham, so getting to more West Ham games without having to balance them around shifts will be welcomed.”

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