Jim Holden, a 28-year firefighter and EMT for the Rochester Fire Department, is retiring but not exactly going away or moving to Florida or anything of the sort. Holden’s retirement only means the active, 69-year-old family man gets to do what he wants to do.
Some of that might involve the artwork inspired by fire events and displayed at the Fire Station on Pine Street, and some of that time will undoubtedly go to a banjo.
“I got into it with my daughter, and I just really wanted to learn how to draw because everything I drew, I was like up in the air,” said Holden, who took up art years ago. “When she started taking art lessons, I was waiting for her to come out of art lessons and said to myself, ‘Why am I sitting here for?’ So I decided to go in with her, and I took art lessons and that’s where it went. I probably painted for close to 10 years.”
That activity has given ways to others, as Holden now can reassess what he wants to do with his time. He has no intentions of slowing down.
“Now I’m trying my hand at some music,” he said. “I’ve got a lot of interests. There’s a whole bunch of stuff I don’t do so it’s like why not? Chase it.”
Holden, very youthful as he approaches age 69, intends to chip away at his bucket list. A commercial fisherman until his career as a taxidermist gained traction, he’s always been interested in various opportunities. Holden grew up in New Bedford, spent a few years in Freetown and has been a Rochester resident the past 30 years.
He estimates he was involved in taxidermy for three years when he moved to Rochester. He knew former firefighter (and current Board of Health member) Glenn Lawrence, who told Holden the department needed firefighters, especially EMT’s.
Holden got himself involved in the Rochester Fire Department and rest is history.
“I love it here. I’ve been to a lot of places in the world, I’ve been no place that I’d rather live … got to have the ocean,” he said. “It’s beautiful, and you can feel it because our atmosphere – the feeling of the weather is different inland. … I often wondered when I was in Sante Fe (New Mexico) why the sky was so blue, I finally figured it out – no ocean.”
Holden loved his time as a firefighter and EMT on the Rochester Fire Department, and he will miss the camaraderie of the battle, including scary moments.
“I remember one time there was a propane fire up at 700 North Ave. … the Annie Maxim House. They’ve got a huge propane tank out in the field, it’s all fenced in, it’s big,” he recalled. “Okay, we’ve got a propane fire, and I’m looking across the field and I see this torch, like an army flame thrower coming out of the ground.”
Holden noticed Greg Weigel ahead in another truck when Weigel accelerated. “All of a sudden, I see him just boot it across the field, and he runs up to the propane tank (sound of a spinning spigot), shuts it off. The flame went right out. … I think lightning hit it.”
On Tuesday afternoon, the department gathered available members to celebrate a stellar career of public service of the most courageous kind.
The plaque presented to Holden reads: “For outstanding meritorious service to the Rochester Fire Department from September 26, 1995, through September 26, 2023. During his 28 years of service, Firefighter/EMT Jim Holden epitomized what a Firefighter/EMT should be, dedicated, committed, selfless and professional. His service to the community was at the highest level of commitment. His conspicuous performance of duty represented exemplary dedication in the finest traditions of the Rochester Fire Department and reflects great credit upon himself, his family and the Fire Service.” Signed by Fire Chief Scott Weigel.
“I’m at a point where I’m saying to myself, ‘I should be doing what I want to be doing, all the time,’” Holden said. “Even if you’re good, you’re slow. There’s no guarantees.”
By Mick Colageo