THE CANADIAN PRESS

HAMILTON - Hamilton Tiger-Cats veteran safety Sandy Beveridge is leaving football for a career fighting fires.

Beveridge announced his retirement Monday, saying he had accepted a position with the Hamilton Fire Department.

"This was an extremely difficult decision," Beveridge said. "I am still passionate about being a Tiger-Cat and will always bleed black and gold, but I could not pass up this exceptional opportunity outside of football."

The UBC product joined the Ticats as an undrafted free agent in 2003, and went on to play in 105 regular-season games over eight seasons, making 124 defensive tackles, 77 special teams tackles and five interceptions.

"It's a bittersweet day here in TigerTown," Ticats president Scott Mitchell said.

Mitchell praised Beveridge's tireless work off the field.

"He has been selfless in his dedication to all of our community causes and it's only appropriate that Sandy will continue to serve this great community with the fire department moving forward," the Ticats president said.

Beveridge made 450 community appearances as a Tiger-Cat and gave more than 1,500 hours of his time to school and hospital visits, minor football clinics, and various other events.

He also purchased over 2,000 tickets on behalf of McMaster Children's Hospital and Ronald McDonald House for kids to attend games.