A GRANDFATHER who has dedicated four decades to public service is hanging up his uniform and heading to the Spanish sunshine.

Keith Coleman, 60, of Basildon, is retiring after 15 years working for the ambulance service in Essex.

He started his career with British Rail after leaving school and later spent 24 years working for British Transport Police, latterly as a constable at Heathrow Airport.

The grandfather-of-four said: “I’ve had a wonderful time. My only regret is leaving friends and colleagues behind but I’m bowing out to a nice retirement.

“I just hope I’ve made a difference along the way."

Keith’s career in the ambulance service began in 2000, when he provided patient transport services at Oldchurch Hospital, Romford.

He then served as an emergency medical technician in Southend until 2008 - which included two years on the Essex Air Ambulance - before he was transferred to Basildon.

Keith, an aircraft enthusiast with a passion for flight simulation, said: “I enjoyed my time on the air ambulance.

“There was lots of variety. It was very exciting and enjoyable and I made a lot of good mates there.

“All my life I’ve been in the public sector. I feel proud.

“I was awarded all three Jubilee medals given to serving members of emergency services, which is quite an achievement.

“I have had a wonderful career in the ambulance service so it was a very sad moment when I finished.

“I’ll miss the comradeship and sticking together. We’ve come through some hard times and things are definitely on the up now. Hopefully they will continue to get even better.”

Next month, Keith and his wife Dee will be jetting off to the south of Alicante to enjoy their retirement.

During a farewell gathering, he was presented with a crest by East of England Ambulance Service chief executive Anthony Marsh.

Alan Whitehead, the service’s senior locality manager in south-west Essex, said: “Keith’s one of the most enthusiastic people I know.

“People go and talk to him and he’s known affectionately as ‘Granddad’ on station.

“He’s always done a really good job, he always has a good word to say about others, he has a positive manner and he has embraced change. He’ll be very sadly missed.”