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Auburn Fire Chief William A. Whynot is trading in his fire hat and boots for some quality one-on-one time with his grandchildren.
Whynot is leaving his post after over 27 years of experience as a volunteer and career firefighter in the Auburn community.
"I will miss interacting with the townspeople," Whynot said. "I love this job."
Whynot will officially retire in two months but said he will miss his ability to change lives in the community for the better.
"I met people on what could have been the worst day of their life," he said. "I left knowing I had hopefully made their situation better. I will miss that."
Two years ago, Whynot suffered a heart attack and fortunately survived. He said he is looking forward to a relaxing retirement.
"I want to spend more time with my grandchildren now," he said.
Although fond of the community he has served for many years, Whynot said he is confident this is the right time to retire from his position.
"This job has always been politics. If you deny that your either lying or a fool," he said. "It has to do with politics on every level including local, state and federal."
Whynot was raised in Newton but began his journey as a volunteer firefighter in Waltham. Later he spent time working in Auburn as a private ambulance service manager.
"My wife and I liked the town, so we talked it over and decided to live here in Auburn," he said.
In 1983 he joined the fire station as a call firefighter and in 1987 began work as a career firefighter. Deputy Chief Stephen Coleman will succeed as Fire Chief for the department following Whynot's retirement in September.
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