GORHAM — Gorham’s longest service police chief has retired after a 42-year career on the force.

WCSH-TV reports Ronald Shepard’s last day on the job was Tuesday. He started with the department as a police officer in 1972 and became police chief in 1995.

Chief Ronald W. Shepard Courtesy Gorham Police Department

Shepard took a traditional final ride through town on Tuesday. Signs throughout the town congratulating him and thanking him for his service peppered the town on Tuesday.