MILLBURY, Mass. - Fire Chief Rich Hamilton is packing up his office along with 43 years worth of memories.

What You Need To Know

  • Fire Chief Rich Hamilton is retiring after being chief for seven years 
  • Millbury had a parade to celebrate last Monday 
  • Hamilton grew up in Millbury and lived there his whole life
  • People stopped by Friday to wish him well 

“It’s tough, it really is," Hamilton, who is retiring as Millbury fire chief, said. 

Hamilton grew up in Millbury and started his career on the town’s fire department after seeing a help wanted add in the newspaper. He’s been chief for the last seven years.

“It’s been an adventure,” Hamilton said. “You know somebody once said, 'It’s a front row seat to the best show on the earth,' and it really is. You see the good, the bad and you help so many people and that’s really the love of it.”

It’s a love that shines through as Hamilton shows off Engine 1. He helped the department get the half a million dollar truck through a grant.

“This is one of my biggest accomplishments," Hamilton said. 

As he looks back on his career, friends stop into the department to say goodbye, some bringing gifts.

The Millbury community also came together earlier this week to have a drive by parade for Hamilton. 

“It’s very humbling, because I always did the job the best I thought I could do the job, and I was satisfied with what I did," Hamilton said."But it’s really amazing to see the outpouring of people."

After Hamilton finishes his last duties as chief, he’s taking some time off, but hopes share his decades of experience with recruits in the State Fire Academy.