Tributes have poured in following the death of Garry White, a much-loved former firefighter who served Wells and the surrounding area for more than three decades.

Garry, who joined the fire service in 1982, worked his way up to watch manager before retiring in 2015 after 33 years of dedicated service. He died last week at the age of 66.

Wells Fire Station shared the news in a statement posted on Facebook on Friday (May 2), describing Garry as "an inspirational figure who will be sadly missed by all".

"It's with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of former watch manager Garry White this week," the post read. "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."

The tribute sparked an outpouring of messages from former colleagues, friends, and members of the community who remembered Garry's kindness, humour and professionalism.

One man wrote: "Sad news. Served with him until 1990 then alongside attending jobs as a paramedic. A big-hearted, well-loved man."

Another former firefighter said: "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."

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Others described him as "a great and honest man to serve with" and "a privilege to serve with".

His daughter also shared a message, writing: "My dad was always so proud to be in fire service. It was his life."

Wells Fire Station said their thoughts and prayers are with Garry's family at this difficult time.