Schenectady, N.Y. (WNYT) – Firefighters lined up in honor of their chief.  Bagpipes, the honor guard, police, and city workers paid tribute.

“Having watched him closely over these 33 years, I was always so moved when I saw how much it meant for him to be a firefighter,” said the Rev. Richard Carlino, Schenectady Fire Chaplain.  “His work was his life.”

Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy presented Chief Donald Mareno with the Key to the City.  It’s an honor for just a select few.

“For him, it’s not just a job, it’s a way of life,” said Assistant Fire Chief George Burns.  “He preaches it every day. It’s not a career, but a way of life.”

Mareno said retired chief Ray Senecal set the bar high.

“Chief, I did the best I can,” said an emotional Chief Donald Mareno.  “You’re a tough act to follow.”

Mareno touched on significant moments over the years, the fatal fires, the lives saved– minutes that matter.

“Today is about that firefighter who consoles a wife of 50 years while our paramedics are trying to save her husband’s life.  And she’s watching,” he said.  “It hits me because I was there.”

The ceremony ended with a final walkout after a long and distinguished career of service.