After keeping Wiscasset’s school buses, fire engines, police cruisers, ambulances and highway trucks road-ready for over 27 years, Mark Jones is retiring as town mechanic.

Wiscasset selectmen accepted Jones’s resignation “with deep regret” when they met Tuesday evening, Jan. 5, for their first meeting of the new year.

“It’s been a pleasure to work with all the departments and employees over 27 years of service.” Jones writes in his Dec. 17 letter to selectmen announcing his resignation. His last day on the job is Friday, Jan. 8.

The board recognized Jones’ service to the town with a framed certificate from the town. Chairman Ben Rines Jr. said Jones would certainly be missed. “Twenty-seven years represents a lot of dedication to the town. We all appreciate Mark’s hard work over the years and wish him the very best in his retirement.”

The newspaper reached Jones at his home earlier in the day where he’s been recuperating from a recent surgery. He said he’s enjoyed working for the town and will miss all of his co-workers at the town garage.

“My wife Debra and I just bought a home in Zephyrhills, Florida and decided we’d like to try living as ‘snow birds,’ enjoying the winters down there and summers here.”

Although he’s retiring as town mechanic Jones said he plans to stay busy working at another job even if it’s only part-time.

Jones, 58, began working for the town as a bus mechanic for the Wiscasset School Department. He maintained the fleet of buses for five years before moving on to the town garage. Along with maintaining and repairing the town’s highway trucks and heavy equipment, he was also responsible for keeping Wiscasset’s police cruisers, fire trucks and ambulances in good running order.

“I’ve really liked working for the town, all the different departments and especially the people that have come and gone over the years,” he said, adding, “Zephyrhills is a good place to be but Wiscasset is pretty special too.”