Tributes to former firefighter who has died aged 109

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Tributes have been paid to a “hero” believed to be the world’s oldest retired firefighter after he died aged 109. He kept his links with what was to become Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, and its chief fire officer Chris Lowther said: “Joe Dixon was a credit to his family, friends, the community he served, and to everyone associated with the wider Fire Service. On his 100th birthday, the fire service celebrated with him by inviting him to sit in a 1937 Leyland Cub engine – the same model he would have used when he joined in 1937.