By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News
It was a bittersweet occasion on Wednesday, June 11, when the Price City Council gathered for their biweekly meeting. The cause for this melancholy was the retirement of longtime firefighter Sid Nelson, who, after 43 years, was looking to transition into his golden years.
Price City Fire Chief David Johnson opened the ceremony by describing Nelson’s character: “Our community is better, stronger and safer because of his devotion. Sid has earned many certifications and participated in countless trainings, going beyond the call of duty. Sid even took it a step further and became our safety officer over 25 years ago.”
“Having Sid on the fire grounds brought a sense of calm. Because we knew he was looking out, not just for our safety, but everybody involved,” said Johnson. “He was never just a firefighter. He was a mentor, a leader, a protector and a friend. On behalf of the Price City Fire Department, we thank you, Sid, and we thank your family for every late night, every answered call and for all the sacrifices.”
Following this, Nelson was presented with gifts from the city and the Fire Department.
“The sacrifices made by Sid and his family by serving our community for over 40 years in public safety cannot be quantified. Thank you for your selfless service Sid,” the Price City police department said in a social media post.
Nelson was the last remaining firefighter hired under a volunteer chief in Price.
“I got to know some wonderful people. Firefighters, community members, and city officials have all been wonderful. I feel like I have friends forever; they’re just wonderful – especially my fellow firefighters,” said Nelson. “I feel so excited in one way but so sad in another because I will miss that day-to-day camaraderie with each of you guys.”
Following his remarks, Nelson faced those in attendance at the meeting who rose to give him a standing ovation.
Castle Country Radio would like to thank Nelson for his tireless dedication to Price City and the Castle Country as a whole and wish him luck as he enters the next stage of his life.