AMESBURY — Hiking, working on model trains and traveling are just a few of the things Amesbury Fire Chief Jim Nolan will be doing when he retires this summer after 30 years with the department.
“I worked hard to get where I’m at and I want to be able to enjoy a long, healthy retirement,” Nolan said.
Nolan, 62, will continue to serve as fire chief until June 27.
Nolan started his career with the Amesbury Fire Department in 1995 as a call firefighter. He became a full-time firefighter/EMT in 1997 and attended the Massachusetts Fire Academy for Recruit Training in 1998.
He held the role of acting lieutenant from 2012-13. In June 2014, he was promoted to lieutenant, and in July 2015 was promoted to acting deputy chief.
In 2019, Nolan was promoted to deputy fire chief/fire prevention officer. Following the 2022 retirement of Fire Chief Kenneth Berkenbush, he was named the city’s sixth fire chief.
Mayor Kassandra Gove described Nolan as a highly respected member of the community known for his skills and cheerful personality.
“When he was promoted to chief, I remember him describing the type of chief he wanted to be, one who was active and involved, who still sat for coffee at headquarters; not someone in plainclothes behind a desk,” Gove said.
She went on to call him “the epitome of a public servant.”
“His retirement is well-deserved. I know he’ll still stop in for coffee, and I wish him a long and relaxing retirement,” Gove said.
Nolan spoke about his decision to retire.
“It is the right time. I’ve got 30 years in and I’m not getting any younger,” Nolan said.
He said he would greatly miss the camaraderie down at the station.
“I can walk in anytime and talk to people, but you know, it’s gonna be going from having a work family of 43 down there to just myself and my family,” Nolan said.
Asked about his plans for retirement, Nolan said he may eventually look for part-time work but intends to indulge in his hobbies for now.
“I do model trains, which I really enjoy doing, and I’m gonna be doing some camping this summer. We bought a trailer and we’re gonna be up in Maine,” Nolan said.
Also a member of the Sgt. Jordan Shay Memorial Foundation Advisory Board, Nolan said he is looking forward to trying to win the foundation’s annual bowling tournament with his department one final time, as the Amesbury FD team wins nearly every year.
The tournament is set for May 1.
”I hope that we stay on top, seeing as we are pretty much the champions every year,” Nolan said.
He praised the members of his department, explaining how he has gotten to see many of them grow throughout the years.
“I hope the foundations that I have built as chief will remain, and the future administration can continue the forward direction of the department,” Nolan said.
Nolan went on to thank everyone, from residents to his family and friends, for supporting him throughout his career.
“Thirty years to many may seem like a long time, but when you enjoy doing what you do, the time goes by quickly,” Nolan said.
The city will immediately begin the search for a new fire chief, including a comprehensive assessment and interview process coordinated by a contracted outside agency, according to a statement from the city.
Matt Petry covers Amesbury and Salisbury for The Daily News of Newburyport. Email him at: mpetry@northofboston.com.