“Today marks the end of an era,” Barnegat Light Volunteer Fire Co. #1 announced on the first day of the new year. Keith Anderson became chief 20 years before, and retired after a length of service that a fellow officer called “unheard of” in recent years’ leadership.

Moving up to the chief post is Fred Grimste, who had served alongside Anderson almost as long in the assistant chief role.

The company paid tribute with the statement “For 20 consecutive years, Keith has selflessly and courageously led Station 13.