As a crowd gathered around the Wareham fire station, claps, laughs and cheers were heard for Captain Chip Deblois as he began his transition from fire department leadership to retirement.

During the send-off on Monday, June 30, Captain Courtney “Chip” Deblois was celebrated for his 39 years of service, dedication and perseverance during his career with the Wareham Fire Department.

Deblois began his career at the age of 14, and became a full-time fire firefighter in 1998. From then on, Deblois said he spent many nights bonding with his shiftmates and saving lives.

“It was difficult to make the decision to leave,” Deblois said. “I’ve seen a lot of stuff that I don’t want to see anymore… I’ve pulled people out of buildings, saved people in the water. It’s been a great ride, it's time to go.”

Deblois said his dad was a major influence and inspiration for him. Deblois’ dad was a full-time police officer in town for years, and he said he wanted to have a lasting legacy the same way his father did.

“I just hope I made a mark in town like my dad did in the Wareham Police Department,” he said.

One thing making leaving the department difficult is no longer working with the people who grew to become family, Deblois said.

“Here, you’re brothers and sisters,” he said. “You live with each other, you’re eating and cooking, you’re doing house chores together, you’re fighting fire, you’re going to car accidents, you’re all helping. It’s just a bond when you work together.”

One of the many coworkers who became a brother to Deblois was Assistant Fire Chief Pat Haskell who worked beside him for 30 years.

“It’s kind of like one of those bittersweet things where I’m happy for him being able to enjoy what he has to go to his next chapter in his life. But for us, it’s a loss. He’s not not just a giant, but he’s a gentle giant as well.”

Around the department, Deblois was known for his big heart and cracking jokes, said Haskell.

“You’ve got one hell of a heart and you’ve changed our world,” he said in his speech.

Looking at his career, Deblois said he loved the years he spent with the fire department, and he encourages everyone to get into it.

“It’s a good feeling to help people,” he said. “It really is the best job in the world.”