On Friday, Aug. 17, after 39 years, eight months and 15 days of continuous, dedicated service to the town of Ayer, David R. Kidder the Ayer highway foreman retired. Kidder was honored at Town Hall on Friday with the presentation of a Certificate of Recognition of Service from Gov. Deval Patrick and a Proclamation of Service from the Massachusetts House and Senate on behalf of Sen. Jamie Eldridge.

Ayer Board of Selectmen Chairman James Fay presented Kidder with a proclamation from the Ayer Board of Selectmen. In addition to Fay, Selectmen Conley, Luca and Maxant attended the event. Approximately 25 people attended the retirement luncheon, including various town employees, department heads, and elected officials.

Kidder was presented with a revolving cherrywood clock from all of his co-workers and friends at Town Hall engraved with "this is not goodbye, it's enjoy your new beginning" on one of the sides, another side held a picture of Kidder in his DPW pickup truck.

A light luncheon was provided for all and Mary Spinner donated a beautiful retirement cake with a small green pickup truck on it.

"David has served the town of Ayer with great distinction over the last 39 years," said Fay when he presented the proclamation on behalf of the Board of Selectmen.

"Not many municipal employees make it to almost 40 years of service. David, this is a very impressive achievement. On behalf of the town, I want to thank you for all of your dedicated service

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to the town of Ayer," said Town Administrator Robert Pontbriand. "David began his service to the Town's DPW before I was even born, and though I have only known him for two years, during that time he has taught me a lot about the history of Ayer's infrastructure; described in great detail the engineering skills of beavers; and has shared more than one great story about a snapping turtle or two in a storm drain," said Pontbriand.

"Finally, David has been a great employee and friend to the Town of Ayer. He has plowed thousands of miles of snow over the years and probably has laid down as much if not more in terms of blacktop. He has built and repaired hundreds of catch basins and sidewalks over his career. As the DPW highway foreman, he kept our roads and infrastructure repaired and safe for all to use. David, you will be missed but not forgotten, please stay in contact and know that you have great friends here in the Town of Ayer," said Pontbriand.

"David because of your long distinguished service and friendship to the Town of Ayer, we are going to bestow upon you the title of "Ayer DPW Highway Foreman Emeritus," said Fay.

It was also Kidder's 61st birthday. He served the Ayer DPW from April 2, 1973 to Aug. 17 and served under nine DPW superintendents: Provost, Burdick, Redfield, Ouellette, O'Riorden, Girouard, Madigan, Nason, and Wetzel. The DPW held another retirement party for Kidder that evening at Billiards Café in Ayer.