TAUNTON — “He’s one of the last of that generation,” said Twila McInnis about her father, retired Taunton Fire Lt. William Pittsley, who served from 1965 to 1997.
His son, Michael Pittsley, followed in his footsteps and has served with the Taunton Fire Department since early 1996.
William, who turns 90 this year, said his father is currently the second oldest surviving retiree of the Taunton Fire Department.
We thought we’d take this opportunity as William turns 90 to ask father and son what’s changed and what’s stayed the same at the Taunton Fire Department over the past nearly 60 years.
Fire chief says good-bye to job he lovesWhat he’s seen and learned. What’s next for Taunton fire chief?
What’s changed? What’s stayed the same?
“Back-in-my-day” moments between generations are wonderful opportunities to learn the then-and-now about a profession.
“It’s a different world he is seeing than what my father dealt with,” McInnis said.
Michael had to go attend a fire academy, like many his generation or younger, before his hire. William took one written exam, passed it, and learned everything else “on-the-job.”