Being a firefighter is all Jim Puleo ever wanted to do since he was a young boy.
In fact, after reciting the above quote for a Sun Chronicle reporter, he declared, “I’m living the dream.”
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Puleo, 54, Mansfield’s deputy fire chief, is retiring Thursday after more than 35 years as a firefighter.
“It’s a tough job to leave. It’s emotional. It’s the best job in the world. I’ve been fortunate to work with hundreds of good people in dynamic situations,” Puleo said.
As an instructor for more than 30 years at the state fire academy, Puleo has taught numerous firefighters — including Foxboro Fire Chief Michael Kelleher and Mansfield Fire Chief Justin Desrosiers.
He has been given state and local awards for bravery, including for his role in helping save and elderly couple on West Street in 2003.