Since starting a job with the Washington Fire Department in 1987, Robbie Rose has spent his career protecting the people of Washington. Surrounded by longtime friends, colleagues and family members, Rose ended that career on a high note Friday afternoon during a retirement celebration at Washington Fire Station No. 1.

“It was overwhelming,” Rose said of the turnout. “It was a very humbling experience to see the people that turned up from all different walks of life, especially some of the folks I’ve known in that business for years and years. That really meant a lot. I was really thankful to see them show up.”

In addition to old firefighting buddies, dignitaries from the state and regional level recognized Rose as well. Among the honors given to him was the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, presented by North Carolina Rep. Keith Kidwell, the Commissioner’s Award, from North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey, and recognition from the Williamston Fire Department for his role in handling hazmat emergencies in the region.

Other local well-wishers and friends who spoke during the presentation included Washington Mayor Mac Hodges, Washington City Manager Jonathan Russell, Washington Councilman and firefighter William Pitt, Beaufort County Sheriff Ernie Coleman and Washington Police and Fire Services Director Stacy Drakeford.

Washington Fire Marshal Mark Yates, retired Washington Fire Chief Nelson Pyle, and former Washington firefighter Scottie Taylor all shared memories of Rose during various stages of his career, bringing both laughter and tears to the audience.

“When I retired, the city threw a shindig for me, and to this day I’m blessed with, honored and humbled by it,” Pyle said. “I remember making a statement. I said, ‘I hope I’m leaving this department in better shape than I found it, and that I sincerely hope that my successor can say the same thing.’ I think if you look at what Robbie has done in the last 20 years since I was here, to say he’s leaving this department better than he found it is kind of like saying the Titanic sprung a leak. It’s a little bit of an understatement.”

With that statement, the evidence speaks for itself. From an emphasis on training and safety to improving the department’s ISO rating from a five to a three, Rose’s decade as chief has been a time of improvement for the Washington Fire Department.

State awards and recognitions aside, colleagues from the City of Washington also offered parting gifts. From Drakeford, Rose received a gilded fire axe, and members of the department all signed the chief’s helmet. The final gifts, which will hang beside fire chiefs from years gone by, were a traditional bronzed cap and a portrait of Rose in his dress uniform.

“I’m most proud during the whole 32 years, and especially in my 10 years as chief, that nobody died in the line of duty in our department,” Rose said in an interview afterward. “That’s especially important to any chief, that all his folks go home safe every day. We didn’t suffer any significant injuries or line of duty deaths in my 10 years, and that’s probably the most important thing to me.”

In the course of the next week, Rose said he plans to decompress after 32 years in the fire service and then find a new hobby or part-time job to occupy his time.