Deputy Chief Pete Fiabane joined the Trenton Fire Department in 1970 when Nixon was president and gas was 36 cents a gallon and he had lots more hair.
But now after 42 years on the job Fiabane is saying goodbye.
"You always look forward to retirement, but you have to be ready, and I was never ready," said Deputy Chief Pete Fiabane.
Fiabane says the job has changed a lot over four decades.
Firefighters have gone from just fighting fires to handling hazmat situations, car accidents, water rescues and much more. What hasn't changed is what makes the work rewarding.
"The best thing would probably be the satisfaction you get when you can help somebody who is in distress," said Fiabane.
You know how you can tell the deputy chief has been around a long time? The fire truck he rode on when he joined the department is now an antique at the fire museum.
"We used to hang on the back and hold on to a metal bar. There was nothing that held you on. You think of it now and you say I can't believe we actually did that! It's pretty scary, but you know what? Then it wasn't scary," Fiabane said.
The fire department will miss a man who's been a teacher to so many.
"We lose a lot of experience," said Qareeb Bashir. "He's done a lot in terms of training guys, being a mentor."
"He's like the grandfather around here. He shows everybody what to do, and if you're doing it wrong he makes sure you're doing it right," said Chief Grady Griffin.
"We're going to miss a guy like that. After 42 years, the stuff he's seen in 42 years," said Captain Mike Welsh.
"I will miss the guys," said Fiabane. "I will miss the dinners they cook here; outstanding."
Pete Fiabane has been married for 36 years and has two children and two grandchildren.
Instead of fires, he says he will be focusing on golf, gardening and basketball; not nearly as risky as what he's been doing for four decades, but well-deserved.
