Fire Lieutenant Robert Stabile was honored by Andover Fire Rescue members on June 20th as he retired following 37 years of devoted service to the Town of Andover.

According to officials, Stabile became a lieutenant in 1996 after joining the department on October 1, 1988. Before ending his career with Engine Company 2 in Ballardvale, he served with Engine Company 1. In addition, he shared his expertise and experience with other firemen while serving on the Northeast Massachusetts Technical Rescue Team. His contribution to the successful ice rescue of two fishermen in Harold Parker State Forest earned him the Andover Fire Rescue Award of Merit in 2016.

For Stabile, working in the fire department has been a family heritage. His brother, Stephen, was a firefighter, and his father, Gerald Stabile, was a lieutenant in the department. Stabile's enthusiasm for his work, dedication to training upcoming firefighters, and readiness to absorb knowledge from more seasoned colleagues throughout his career were all commended by department superiors.

Officials wished Lt. Stabile a well-earned retirement and commended him for his decades of leadership and service.