The Kittery Fire Department members pulled off the perfect surprise party, when they decided to celebrate one of their own. Capt. William “Bill” Paisley has been on the Kittery Fire Department for 50 years, and he has no immediate plans to retire. With the help of his wife Marie, department members planned a party that was kept a secret from the captain. When his wife brought him to Warren’s Lobster House, presumably to have dinner, the look of pure surprise on his face said it all. He had no idea. That look was quickly replaced with a beaming smile as family and friends rushed to greet him. The 50-year party was in no way a retirement party. “My philosophy is that this is not a job where you pick and choose what you do,” said Paisley.
“I have set no specific date to retire. My health is good, and I have come to know my limitations. I can’t do all I used to and that bothers me sometimes. But I guess that as long as I am an asset and not a liability, I will keep doing what I love.”