Amherst Fire Chief Walter “Tim” Nelson applauds from aboard Engine 2 on his last day of duty before retirement after a send-off party last Friday at the Amherst North Fire Station. Nelson, a South Hadley resident who led the Amherst department since early 2010, closed out a 43-year career in fire services, including 29 years serving for the Holyoke Fire Department. The ride home aboard a fir truck is a traditional farewell for those retiring from fire services.

Amherst Fire Chief Walter “Tim” Nelson during a send off party on his last day of duty Friday at the Amherst North Fire Station. Nelson, a South Hadley resident who led the Amherst department since early 2010, closed out a 43-year career in fire services, including 29 years serving the Holyoke Fire Department. The ride home aboard a fire truck is a traditional farewell for those retiring from fire services. FOR THE GAZETTE/DAN LITTLE—

Amherst Fire Chief Walter “Tim” Nelson during a send off party on his last day of duty Friday at the Amherst North Fire Station. Nelson, a South Hadley resident who led the Amherst department since early 2010, closed out a 43-year career in fire services, including 29 years serving the Holyoke Fire Department. The ride home aboard a fire truck is a traditional farewell for those retiring from fire services. FOR THE GAZETTE/DAN LITTLE—

Amherst Fire Chief Walter “Tim” Nelson boards Engine 2 on his last day of duty before retirement after a send off party Friday at the Amherst North Fire Station. Nelson, a South Hadley resident who led the Amherst department since early 2010, closed out a 43-year career in fire services, including 29 years serving the Holyoke Fire Department. The ride home aboard a fire truck is a traditional farewell for those retiring from fire services. FOR THE GAZETTE/DAN LITTLE—

Amherst Fire Chief Walter “Tim” Nelson boards Engine 2 on his last day of duty before retirement after a send off party Friday at the Amherst North Fire Station. Nelson, a South Hadley resident who led the Amherst department since early 2010, closed out a 43-year career in fire services, including 29 years serving the Holyoke Fire Department. The ride home aboard a fire truck is a traditional farewell for thosfire services. FOR THE GAZETTE/DAN LITTLE—