Municipal Maintenance Director Mark Gifford will be retiring after 27 years with the department.

"Mr. Gifford will be retiring as of the 28th. It's a loss for the town," said Town Administrator Derek Sullivan told the Selectmen on Tuesday, noting that Gifford has always been very helpful whenever he calls him.

The Municipal Maintenance Department maintains the town's roads, cemeteries, playgrounds, beaches, and other public spaces. And it certainly hasn't been an easy task in recent years. The department has seen its staff shrink due to budget cuts, leaving a small work force to tackle miles of road and public space.

Equipment Maintenance Supervisor David Menard will serve as interim director until a permanent replacement is found.

Menard "has over 17 years with the department," said Sullivan. "It's going to be a great marriage, and we will post the position in July."

Does the name seem familiar? Gifford is married to State Representative Susan Williams-Gifford (R-Wareham).