With his family by his side, Steve Holmes bid a fond, heartfelt farewell to the Board of Selectmen after six years of service Tuesday night.

“My heart is working overtime right now,” Holmes said. “I want to say thank you, especially to you guys who have helped me over the last year and half for picking up the ball when I couldn’t.”

Holmes, whose seat was won by Anthony Scarsciotti, decided not to run for re-election. He said he enjoyed his service, despite the long hours and difficult decisions.

“It’s been an honor to serve Wareham,” he said, thanking residents for trusting him with the position. “We do these jobs and we don’t get paid, and that’s not an issue – we do it because we want to.”

Looking back, Holmes said hiring Town Administrator Derek Sullivan was one of the board’s best decisions during his tenure.

“I kind of consider him like a son,” Holmes said, then joked. “I’m not sure if he’d want me to be his father.”

Each Selectman then presented Holmes with a gift. Board members also recalled memories of working alongside Holmes.

Selectman Judith Whiteside gave him a scrapbook filled with photographs and quotes related to golf, Holmes’ favorite pastime.

Chair Patrick Tropeano presented Holmes with a nine iron mounted on a plaque and engraved with his name.

From Peter Teitelbaum, Holmes received sugar pills and an affectionate warning: “I’m no longer going to be around to call 911 for you, buddy.”

At a previous meeting, Teitelbaum had called an ambulance when Holmes fainted due to a medical condition.

And from Alan Slavin, Holmes inexplicably received a wand for making bubbles.

Scarsciotti presented Holmes with the name plaque used to identify him during meetings. Holmes explained that his family had it made specially for him when he was first elected.

“So I get it back,” he said. “And this will go in the hall of fame?”

“It does,” said Whiteside.