A 37-year career in the fire service comes to an end on Friday for Dan McCoy.
The deputy chief of the Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department (KVFD) is retiring.
A piping ceremony was held at Station 1 on Friday morning to mark his retirement.
“I’ve had a long career in the fire service and it’s been absolutely wonderful,” McCoy said in a phone interview.
McCoy first started his career as a firefighter in Grand Bay, now known as Grand Bay-Westfield, in 1985.
He was there for more than two decades before taking the job as KVFD’s deputy chief in 2010.
“I’ve always said, and I believe that when you’re eligible to retire and it’s time to go that you should go,” said McCoy.
“It creates movement within the organization you’re working for, opens some spots, so on and so forth.”
McCoy’s retirement comes just a few months after former fire chief Bill Ireland also moved on from his role.
Two division chiefs were promoted to take over their roles. Mike Boyle was named chief and Shawn White deputy chief.
“That created some really good movement inside the department through the ranks and some hiring right down the bottom end,” said McCoy.
Looking back on his 37-year career, McCoy said he has witnessed a lot of changes. Everything from advancements in personal equipment and apparatus, to an increased focus on cancer risks and mental health.
McCoy said he is not sure what the next step will be for him, but he is looking forward to whatever comes next.
“My plan is to do a lot of golfing and enjoy the summer — hopefully, we’re going to have a nice summer — and do some boating and enjoy the weather and the water.”
