EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - Dennis Monks, a Carlstadt fireman for 42 years, as well a a former ex-chief, served the borough of East Rutherford for 26 years as their Fire Marshal before officially becoming a retired man as of 4:00 P.M. on March 31st.

Monks' career began in 1992 when he was appointed as a fire inspector in Carlstadt. Then in 1994, a job opened up for a fire marshal in East Rutherford. Monks applied and was appointed to it, and has served their borough for the past 26 years.

On his last day of work, Monks walked out of the building where he was greeted by family, friends, coworkers and firefighters. He hugged everyone and shook their hands as he walked down the line.

He was then escorted home in his old fire prevention car for the last time with apparatus, other fire units and two police motorcycles following. Arriving home, he was greeted with balloons and some gifts.

When asked what he will be doing now that he's retired, his wife Pat said he's going to relax and brush up on his washboard playing.