FARMINGTON — At the selectmen meeting on Tuesday evening, July 23, firefighter Junior Turner was presented a plaque and thanked for his 53 years of service to the greater Farmington community.

“Turner joined on May 31, 1971, left us on May 31, 2024,” Farmington Fire Rescue Chief Tim “TD” Hardy said. “If you want to talk about a dedicated public servant … he has been here for us. Just a general great firefighter,  great person to have around.”

Turner started with the Farmington Falls Fire Company, Hardy said. He transitioned to Farmington, kept going, has done numerous things for the department and in the community, he noted.

Hardy presented Turner with the plaque, said he is already missed.

“It’s not an easy thing when you have been in it that long to give it up,” Turner stated. He said he wants to spend more time with family, sit back and take it a little easier.

Turner said Farmington Fire Rescue Department is the best, a great group of guys to work with.

Wife Marie Turner spoke of her father’s store where Turner used to hang around. One day her father came out and told Turner he was going with him to fight a fire, she said. Turner, who was about 14 at the time, rode on the back of the truck, she noted.

Turner said he rode on the back of the jeep because the gear was on the front seat. When they got to the fire he put the leather coat on, but took it off as it was too big and began putting water on the flames. That was his official start, he noted.

“I have always looked up to you,” Chair Joshua Bell stated. “You are an example to everyone who serves.”

Bell spoke of the many times people were waiting for a haircut when Turner had to stop to respond to a call. “You will be missed,” he added.

Selectman Dennis O’Neil said Turner was an impressive example for all the young sprouts in the department, including the chief.