ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – He served with Albuquerque Fire Rescue longer than anyone, and on Wednesday, the department honored his service. Lieutenant Ron Herrera retired on Wednesday after nearly 52 years on the job. He joined the department in December 1973.

During Wednesday's ceremony, the city put up a plaque at Fire Station 21, recognizing Lt. Herrera. He received a commemorative ax featuring his years of service and the number assigned to him when he joined the department: 76.

AFR Fire Chief Emily Jaramillo also rounded Lt. Herrera's service up to 53 years, giving him credit for all the time off he accumulated. That makes him the longest-serving member in the department's 125-year history.

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