Special thanks have been made to a fireman who put out a blaze while off-duty.

His commendation became part of the celebrations for Dunmow Fire Station’s diamond jubilee.

In August, firefighter Christopher Smalley used extinguishers to put out a fire in a cattle pen.

He released the cattle from the enclosure, some of them having been badly burned, he make sure they were safe from the flames and gave medical help to two farm workers before the paramedics arrived.

Mr Smalley received an official Letter of Recognition from Essex’s chief fire officer Adam Eckley, who joined the crews to mark 60 years of the station on Thursday, December 3.

Mr Eckley said: “Great Dunmow’s 60th anniversary is significant milestone and a fantastic achievement.

“I would like to say a very well done to, not only the current team but all the firefighters who have served there since 1955, for their dedicated and selfless service to their community.

“The work they have done has made Great Dunmow a safer place to live. I look forward to celebrating another milestone anniversary in years to come.”

The fire station covers Duck End in the north of the area to the Bacon End in the south, along with Takeley in the west and Bannister Green.