Rockland Fire Captain John Sammon has officially retired after 34 years of service. Dozens of people gathered outside the fire station to wish him well.
“It’s been a great ride, it’s been a great career. The town’s a great town to work in. The fire department is one of the best in the business. I worked with some great people over the years and in the future, they’re going to be terrific,” said Sammon. “I’ve worked with some really fantastic people, I have no complaints. It wasn’t like going to work, I always had fun, I was able to help people.”
Sammon grew up in town and started his career in Rockland. He briefly worked in Holbrook for a year, then returned back home in 1992. He’s worked in Rockland ever since.
As his last shift ended, Sammon fought back tears as he addressed the crowd.
“The amount of support I saw today, for me, all I can say is thank you very much,” said Sammon. “It’s just overwhelming.”
Residents, local first responders, and even classmates from his kindergarten class stopped by on his last day.
Fire Chief Scott Duffey said Sammon is someone who looked after everyone in the department.
“It’s incredible. He’s a teacher, a mentor, he’s a true leader in the department. He’s going to be greatly missed, working with him was awesome,” said Duffey. “My first two big fires as a rookie, I was with him, he was on the line with me. He’s just been a pleasure to work with the whole time.”
In a long career as a first responder, Sammon says one memory stands out.
“Being a 15-year-old kid doing CPR on my own father. He lived. He lived long enough to see us – myself, my brother, my brother-in-law and my other brother make our professional careers,” said Sammon. “It sticks with you. A call like that stuck with me, and I’m able to have a little more compassion for a person suffering a heart attack or cardiac arrest because I’ve gone through it.”
Following tradition in the department, Sammon rode to work in an engine, and after pulling the fire box outside the station, he rode home in Engine 1 for one last time. The fire horn in town blared in 2-7-3, his number.
Sammon says he’ll still be working in the area, but now he’ll have a little more time to golf and relax.
“I’m just overwhelmed. I have a wonderful support system of a family that’s unbelievable,” said Sammon. “I have a beautiful wife and a beautiful daughter who are excited to have me come home after 34 years.”
Captain John Sammon with his daughter, Ali Sammon. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
Richie Furlong (left) who recently retired after 36 years with RFD, stands with Captain John Sammon. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
Captain John Sammon and kindergarten classmates Jeff Vanetta (left) and Jim Walters (right). Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
From left: Rockland Selectman Larry Ryan, Captain John Sammon, and RFD Executive Assistant Mary Ryan. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
Dozens of friends and family came out to support Captain John Sammon for his final shift. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
