NAHANT — Police Chief Timothy Furlong recognized Tom Kasper, owner of Pudgy’s Towing & Auto Repair, of Lynn, for years of service to the department’s vehicles at the latest Select Board meeting.
After being in business for 57 years, Kasper retired after selling the business to Patriot Depot in late November. The company was initially started by his late father, James “Pudgy” Kasper back in 1973.
“On behalf of the Nahant Police Department and the Town of Nahant, we want to thank Tom Kasper, and the Kasper family, for unwavering support,” Furlong said. “Your years of servicing our fleet of vehicles have kept us on the road and able to service the Town, and its residents, effectively and efficiently.”
He continued, saying that the service provided by Kasper’s company over the years will be sorely missed.
“We wish you the best in the next chapter of your life, we are forever grateful,” Furlong said. “We would call you on a whim and you wouldn’t even think about it, you’d just tell us to bring the cruisers over. You always prioritized us, and we are very thankful for your service for our department and in the Town.”
Select Board Chair Rob Tibbo was the next to speak, saying, “As Chief Timothy Furlong mentioned, you’ve always been there for our mechanical equipment. Whenever available, you were right there. On a personal scale, I can honestly say that I will certainly miss having you there.”
Kasper said the support shown by the Town means a lot.
“I tried to do everything I could to help the town out over the years, and I wish my father was alive to see this today. … Once again, thank you all,” he said.
Vice-Chair Eugene Canty said, “Having known your dad as I did, he’s a great guy. He’d be proud of you.”
Kasper responded, “He was a great guy; I miss him a lot. These last few years, going through all the motions, I just wish he was here, but I know he’s up there looking down.”
Furlong noted the Town had a plaque to commemorate the occasion, but it hadn’t arrived in time for the meeting.
