SACO — Longtime firefighter David Peters has hung up his fireman’s hat.

Peters has retired after 29 years of service to the Saco fire department, and was honored Wednesday with a barbecue and a ceremonial ride home in a fire truck.

Peters started his career as a firefighter in Westbrook in 1971. He said he enjoyed the excitement of the job, and going to work not knowing what the shift would bring. He said he liked helping the community and also enjoyed the camaraderie between he shared with his coworkers.

“I’ve met a lot of friends over the years,” he said.

Peters, who lives in Saco, said he doesn’t have any big plans for his retirement, but intends to “lay low” and do some fishing.

Chief John Duross described Peters as a “dedicated professional.”

“He’s committed to the fire service and the history of the fire service,” said Duross. He said Peters is deeply connected to the firefighting industry in Southern Maine and very knowledgable about its history.

“He was fun to work with,” said Lt. Wayne Hanson. “He liked to have a good time, but when the bell rang, he got serious.”

Captain Marc Paquette had similar sentiments. He said said firefighting is a high stress job, and Peters was that person who kept things light and made people laugh at the station, yet took his duties seriously and when the call came, he was ready.

Paquette described Peters as a practical joker who kept his fellow co-workers “on their toes.”
“He always had the rookie looking over their shoulder,” he said. “He was always up to something.”

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].