Harwich Fire Inspector Bruce Young Retires After 47 Years

HARWICH – Bruce Young, who joined the Harwich Fire Department in 1978 and became a full-time firefighter in 1993, retired on Friday. Though he was the town’s fire inspector at the time of his retirement, Young received a special surprise from Fire Chief David LeBlanc: a promotion on his last day to assistant chief, the rank his grandfather held in the department. Fred Young joined the Harwich Fire Department in 1929; his son, Capt. Bruce C. Young, signed up in 1957. In making the promotion, LeBlanc acknowledged “close to 120 years of total service by the Young family to the Harwich Fire Department and the town of Harwich.” 

Young thanked his coworkers and others in town government. He said he found it difficult to clean out his locker, but discovered two left-handed gloves: evidence that he had worn out the right-handed ones over the years. He offered advice to the department’s younger members.

“When you come into this place, wear out something. And make sure it’s not your welcome,” he said.