Dozens of well-wishers filled the Town Hall Friday afternoon to give Fire Chief Eric Wilking a proper send-off into retirement as he closes out a distinguished career in fire service that spans nearly 42 years.
At a retirement party that was at times emotional, Wilking was praised for his leadership of the department as he thanked a long list of individuals with whom he’s worked and crossed paths during his 19 years serving the town of Exeter.
“The firefighters, the EMTs, the paramedics, the officers. They are the ones who have the patient contacts and the customer service. It was truly my pleasure to support them every day. My hat’s off to you guys,” he said. Members of town departments, town staff, local and state officials, family, friends and others from the fire service were among those who turned out to celebrate the chief and bid him farewell.