On Tuesday evening, the Water Commissioners hosted a "retirement" party for Gerry Simmons, who, at the age of 83, has recently resigned his position as Water Superintendent. The event gave members of the community an opportunity to recognize Gerry for the many positions in which has served (and continues to serve) the community since 1953.
To kick off the reception, Water Commissioner Karl Huber presented Gerry with a gift and read a list of the offices that Gerry has held over the years:
[0] Thank you Gerry! | Position | Years served |
| Constable | 1953 - 2004 | |
| Sergeant of Police | 1953 -1957, 1960 - 1989 | |
| Chief of Police (1) | 1958 - 1960 | |
| Reserve Police Inspector | 1989 - ?? | |
| Dog Officer | 1957 - 1968 | |
| Civil Defense Director | 1961 - 1988 | |
| Fence Viewer/Field Driver | 1953 - present | |
| Pound Keeper | 1975 - present | |
| Water Superintendent | 1984 - 2007 | |
| Criminal Justice Advisory | 1989 - ?? | |
| Board of Road Commissioners | 1991 - 2003 | |
| Council on Aging | 1992 - present | |
| Election Warden | 1992 - present | |
| Tree Warden | 1994 - 2005 | |
| Caucus Chairman | ?? - present | |
| Source: Dunstable Annual Town Reports Note that, where dates are listed as ??, the information to determine beginning and end dates was not available in the town records. It is unknown when the Criminal Justice Advisory position was eliminated. Compiled by the Town Clerk | ||
Gerry particularly enjoyed the years he served in the Police Department. He's proud of the fact that, in those days, he knew everyone in town. In reference to his brief term as Police Chief, Gerry explained that the Selectmen used to appoint the Police Chief based on whoever won the most votes in the election for Constable. In 1958, long-time Police Chief Archer Davis may have "stepped on someone's toes," so he didn't get the majority of votes that year. When Davis regained favor with the voters, Gerry resumed his role as Sergeant, which was fine with Gerry.
Some of Gerry's less time-consuming positions are the traditional offices of Fence Viewer, Field Driver, and Pound Keeper. These positions were more important in the days when most of the land in Dunstable was farmed and animals would occasionally stray. The Fence Viewer inspected fences to make sure they were in good repair. When animals did get loose, the Field Driver rounded them up and put them in the Town Pound (now located next to the Little Red Schoolhouse), and the Pound Keeper would look after the animals until their owners claimed them.
Gerry has also been an active member of the Dunstable Grange and the Masons. He can also be seen making deliveries for the Rose of Sharon and the Shannahan's.
Gerry's wife, Rena, provided some insight into Gerry's motivation for doing so many jobs. "He just likes to stay busy," she said. When Gerry had to retire from his position as Police Sergeant, he was apparently concerned whether he would be able to stay busy enough. For many years now, Dunstable has reaped the benefit Gerry's need to stay busy.
Gerry plans to stay active in other aspects of town government, such as Election Warden, and the Council on Aging. He is also willing to serve as Caucus Chairman as long as he is elected.
Editor's Note: Dunstable News published a profile on Gerry Simmons [0] in 2004. We hope you will read that story to get to know one of Dunstable's most prominent citizens.