The city formally honored the retirement of Fire Chief Jason Patrick on Tuesday, presenting him with a plaque and approving a motion that allowed him to keep his helmet and badge.

City Manager Kelly Traynham made the presentation before the city council. "It's only been a couple of weeks, but Jason's absence has already been felt. We know that he's going to be around and help us out."

Traynham, who was the planning director at the time, was on the interview committee when Patrick applied for the chief's position following the retirement of Stacy Coggins. "He lived and breathed the fire service; it's in his DNA. I even said that instead of an umbilical cord, a fire hose was attached to his mom."

The city manager said Patrick made a difference in her own life, recalling a time when he gave fire safety tips at a church program that included the admonition to not leave the house with the dryer or washer running. "So, for four years now, I have not left the house with the dryer or washer running. It's things like that you remember and take with you — even the oven push-pull that my kids continue to use on a regular basis from attending various fire department events and community service activities."

She presented Patrick with a plaque and a clock that commemorates his years of service — from April 1, 1997, to August 31.

She also presented Patrick with his helmet and his badge, which required approval from the council.

Patrick, who had to compose himself before speaking, told the council, "I'm only 48 years old. I've been here 28 years, so I've been here for over half my life. I've enjoyed it. I worked with some great people — not only in the fire department but some of you who are up here. I've worked alongside some of you on the streets — the police officers, the firefighters. It's been tough times for everybody, but I think overall we've done a great job."

He talked about the advice Coggins gave him — that there are peaks and valleys, "but it's what you do in those valleys that makes the difference at the end."

He thanked the city for the opportunity to serve. "Anything I can do to help the city, I'm still here — the guys at the fire department know it as well."

Mayor Emery Doughtie told Patrick, who has taken a job in the private sector, "We thank you for your service, and from the council and everybody here, we wish you many, many years of enjoyable retirement and whatever you seek out to do in the next stage of your life."