NEWBURYPORT — After 45 years of following in his family’s legacy of serving the Newburyport Fire Department, John Cutter worked his final shift Friday.
“It’s been a great run. Every call is different. You get a lot of satisfaction answering the calls because somebody’s in need when you call us. When we’re able to help, it’s a great feeling,” Cutter said.
Surrounded by family and friends, the mood was light at fire headquarters as Cutter’s face was plastered on a cake thanking him for his service, while a sign thanking him was slapped on an old fire truck.
The festivities began shortly after 10 a.m. with firefighters laying out a spread of sandwiches and chips for anyone who popped in. The event was billed as an open house, with doors to open to the public until 2 p.m.
Cutter, 64, joined the department in December 1979, fulfilling a long-standing family tradition.
The Cutter family has been fighting fires in Newburyport for more than 100 years, with the city opening the John F. Cutter Jr. Fire Station on Storey Avenue in 2024. The new station is named after Cutter’s grandfather.
Cutter’s brother, Jeff Cutter, celebrated his own retirement in June after 38 years.
“He had a great career,” Jeff Cutter said, smiling at the many folks there to celebrate his brother.
John Cutter said he loved being part of his family’s lengthy history of public service.
“I’ve been honored to work with the Cutter name. My family’s been here for many years, but it’s time for me to retire,” he said.
With his son, who bears the same name as his grandfather, working at the department as a call lieutenant, John Cutter said he is happy to see the family tradition roll on.
“It’s meant a lot. He had an interest in the job from a young age, and he still continues it,” John Cutter said.
Looking around at all the people as they trickled in, he said he was grateful for everyone who came by.
“It’s nice to see a lot of the guys. Some of the retirees, local police officers we work with, people I’ve met on calls have stopped by. It’s exciting,” John Cutter said.
Lt. Kevin Parseghian said he has worked with John Cutter for all of his 25-plus-year career.
“It’s just been my honor and privilege working with John, and I’ve enjoyed every bit of it. I’m sorry to see him go,” Parseghian said.
Away on a previously scheduled vacation, Fire Chief Stephen Bradbury said he was sorry to miss the occasion while praising Cutter.
“He’s been a great asset to the city of Newburyport. I think this is his 45th, 46th year. That’s tough to replace somebody with that type of knowledge,” Bradbury said.
John Cutter said he plans to take retirement day by day.
“Looking forward to doing what I want to do, but I know I’ve got six grandchildren, and I’m going to be helping out with them,” he said.
Matt Petry covers Amesbury and Salisbury for The Daily News of Newburyport. Email him at: mpetry@northofboston.com.