SAUGUS — On Tuesday, the Saugus Fire Department (SFD) celebrated the career of Rob DiFlumeri, who is retiring after 30 years of service in Saugus.
“Congratulations to Firefighter Rob DiFlumeri on working his last shift today after 30 years with the Saugus Fire Department. Rob is one of the most liked, respected and funniest Firefighters to come through the SFD. With all his unique words and catchphrases, he spent his entire career on Group 2 adorning us with stories on growing up in Revere and driving his IROC-Z up and down the beach in the 80s and 90s with his beautiful mullet flowing in the wind … which lead to the career-long, yet simple nickname of Robbio — as in Fabio,” the department wrote on Facebook.
Family, friends, and fellow firefighters gathered at the station to congratulate him. Everyone, including Item staff, was told to grab a plate as those closest to DiFlumeri celebrated his time with the department.
DiFlumeri said he became a firefighter because it was more than just a job.
“You feel like you really make a difference … it’s very rewarding. You know that cliche that you just want to help people … all of that is true. It sounds cliche, but it’s true,” he said.
DiFlumeri said that he would miss his fellow firefighters here in Saugus, but was excited for the next chapter of his career.
“I’m retiring here, but I became a police chief in Newton, New Hampshire. I did both jobs full time, 30 years here and 16 years in Newton, and I just became chief,” he said.
DiFlumeri said he’d love to keep serving both communities but with his new title, he’ll have to be ready 24/7 at the Newton Police Department.
When asked about the best piece of advice that he’s learned in his 30 years of service, he said, “Do the job for the right reasons. You come in and you do that job and you take care of your family, and all of that is worth more than money … If you go to work and you enjoy what you’re doing, that’s what it’s all about.”
