At their Wednesday, July 13 meeting, the Town honored James “Jimmy” Sylvester, who recently retired from the Department of Public works after 43 years of service.

“It’s such a horrible place to work that he just wouldn't leave,” joked Town Council Chairman Nathan Calouro before presenting Sylvester with a citation from the Council. “James Sylvester III, a valued employee of the Town of Bristol, began his career with the department of public works on August 14, 1979,” Calouro continued. “These 43 years of service have been marked by exemplary dedication to the best interests of the community, and James ‘Jimmy’ Sylvester III has worked consistently for the betterment of the Bristol Public Works system which has contributed to the health, safety and comfort of this community.”

Town Administrator Steven Contente followed, presenting the Bristol Town Coin to Sylvester. “It's a great privilege and honor for me to present the Town Coin to Jim,” he said, noting that the honor is reserved for a very few.

“Jim, on behalf of the Town of Bristol, we can't thank you enough for all the long hours and the dedication you've had for 43 years,” Contente said. “This is the Town Coin, and you are certainly more than deserving of it. You're a loss for the department, but you left the department well, and we know you are there when we need you and have offered your institutional knowledge.”

As for Sylvester, his retirement plants don’t include a lot of poolside lounging or esoteric hobbies — in fact, his “retirement” lasted approximately one weekend. He’s driving now, for his friend’s company in Warren, RMT Excavation.

“It was time to move on,” he said. “I’d had enough snowstorms, hurricanes, and 3 a.m. police calls about downed lines.” As long as he’s healthy and feels up to it (and can keep to a predictable schedule), he plans to keep working indefinitely.