After 44 years of service to the Town of Norwell, Fire Chief Andy Reardon has retired.
A send-off ceremony was held at the safety complex. Residents, friends, and area fire chiefs drove through the apparatus bay of the station to wish him well.
Reardon says it’s been “an absolute gift” to serve the town.
“I cannot tell you and your listeners how proud I am and how blessed I have been to do the job, it really means a lot,” Reardon told WATD. “The taxpayers allowed me this opportunity, and I’ll never be able to repay them for it.”
Reardon says this has been his life since high school, he first joined the department as a call firefighter in 1976. He was appointed as Chief in 2007.
A small ceremony was held at the station with the Selectmen and family members.
“It’s a little overwhelming. I certainly don’t deserve the accolades,” said Reardon. “These folks from all over the place, they’ve stopped by. It’s been very heartwarming and a little humbling.”
Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Simpson will be taking over as the new Chief of the department. He started as a call firefighter in 1991 and was appointed Captain in 2001.
Given the coronavirus pandemic, Simpson felt the drive-through ceremony was the safest way for everyone to wish Reardon well. People remained in their cars with masks on, and drove through the apparatus bay.
“He’s very well-known, he’s been around in the fire service for 44 years. His leadership will be difficult to replace,” said Simpson. “I’ll definitely be in touch with him in the future to pick his brain when I get stuck in a jam, because all that knowledge is going to be leaving.”
Reardon says there’s a bright future ahead for the department.
“These folks, they do what needs to be done. We talk a lot about heroes – these are our everyday heroes. The firefighter/paramedics that work here are our everyday heroes,” said Reardon. “They’re phenomenal, absolutely phenomenal.”
With more time, Reardon is looking forward to reading, consulting, and teaching. But first, he plans on enjoying two weeks of vacation.
“I’m blessed that I have the time,” said Reardon. “My family’s healthy, I can’t ask for anything else.”
The police and fire departments saluted Reardon as he walked out of the station and boarded Engine 4 for the ride home.
Norwell Fire Chief Andy Reardon has retired after 44 years of fire service. Reardon, who has served as Chief since 2007, thanked members of Norwell FD and PD. He thanked residents:
“I cannot repay them enough. I can’t thank them enough for what they’ve given me.” @959watdfm pic.twitter.com/GIWQD1Ksxo— Lenny Rowe (@LennyRoweWATD) July 31, 2020
Abington Fire Chief John Nuttall visits Norwell Fire Chief Andy Reardon. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
