Firefighter Tony Chapman celebrates retirement after 30 years of service with VE Day singalong

Tony Chapman with his certificate marking his retirement. Photo used with courtesy of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.

Fire crews from South Shields and Marley Park, in Sunderland, arrived at Tony’s street in Whitburn to deliver his retirement certificate with celebrations commemorating the 75th anniversary of VE Day already underway.

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service paid tribute to Tony’s long-serving contributions over the years on social media.

A Facebook post read: “Farewell to crew manager Tony Chapman, who retired today after 30 years of service!

Tony Chapman and wife Sarah celebrated VE Day and Tony's retirement from the Fire and Rescue service after 30-years. Photos used with courtesy of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.

“Group Manager Adrian Jackson and crews from South Shields and Marley Park delivered his retirement certificate while Tony was entertaining his neighbours by singing with wife Sara, who works in our Control Room. Thank you Tony, enjoy your retirement!”

With the fire service veteran celebrating his retirement as people across the country commemorated the 75th anniversary of end of the Second World War in Europe, there was cause for a double celebration.

The 51-year-old, described as a “real showman”, was performing alongside his wife to not only his neighbours but hundreds watching live via Facebook.

And after being handed his retirement certificate, Tony said: “Sara wants me to talk you through my 30-year career but no!

Tony Chapman when he joined the fire service 30 years ago. He is pictured lifting older brother David.

“Considering we’re socially distanced and there are loads of people, thank you. We’ll probably have a proper [party] when the lockdown lifts, I’ll do a proper 45-minute speech then.”

Tony fittingly concluded Friday night’s celebrations with his own rendition of Frank Sinatra’s My Way.