A FIRE fighting family who have been saving lives around a town for 87 years have been recognised for their remarkable efforts.

The Mussett clan has taken responsibility for keeping the people of West Mersea safe since 1929.

They were recognised during a special reunion at their second home - West Mersea Fire Station.

When the world was reeling from the Wall Street Crash, with King George V on the throne and while Herbert Ives carried out the first ever public demonstration of colour television Gordon Mussett was walking into the fire station on Mersea Island.

He continued to walk in for another 27 years before being joined by his son.

In 1956 Elvis Presley made his first appearance in the US music charts, the newly named Marilyn Monroe marries Arther Miller and meets our own Queen Elizabeth II.

This was also the year David Mussett became the second member of the family to join the fire fighting family on the island.

The third generation followed with David’s sons Chris joining in 1978, Gary in 1979 and Jon in 1983.

By the time Jon joined seatbelts had became compulsory, the first CD went on sale and breakfast television was launched.

But the family were not done yet.

In 2007 Gary’s son Sam became the sixth member, from the fourth generation, to join the crew.

Chris and Sam are also wholetime firefighters in Colchester and Grays helping in West Mersea during their time off.

Gary Mussett, 54, a self employed painter and decorater and retained firefighter, said: “The biggest change over the years has been the improvement in technology.

“The appliances and equipment we have now are so much better than the ones I trained with.

“We used to have to wear cork helmets, plastic leggings and work the water pumps by hand.

“The types of incidents have changed quite a bit too.

“Thanks to all the prevention and protection work we do we don’t get as many big fires.

“Sadly we do get a lot more road traffic collisions.”

Sam added: “I grew up watching my father, uncles and grandad all working at the fire station, and from a very young age I knew that’s what I wanted to do too.

“I remember being at primary school and hearing the station sirens.

“I would run to the school gates and watch my family roaring off down the road in the fire engine.

“I couldn’t wait to join them so I could help my community too.

“The moment I turned 18, I was lined up at training school ready to carry on the ‘family business’.”

A special celebration was held in June 23 with five generations of the family joined by the firefighters the family have fought fires with.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Dave Bill, presented the family with an inscribed plaque to recognise their long service and dedication.

He said: “The Mussett family have been dedicated members of this fire station for a staggering 87 years.

“Their commitment, sacrifice and loyalty to the station is extraordinary and demonstrates an incredible commitment to the people of Mersea.

“It is a remarkable commitment to a fire station from a single family.

“On behalf of ECFRS and the communities they serve, I would like to thank the entire Mussett family for the important roles they have played in helping to keep the residents of Mersea safe.”

The service is looking to recruit more retained firefighters to be on-call when needed across the county.

To find out more call 01376 576121 or visit http://www.essex-fire.gov.uk