WATCH: Waltham Deputy Police Chief William Stanton Retires

WALTHAM, MA – Waltham Deputy Police Chief William Stanton retired Friday after 37 years on the force. The department held a ceremony in his honor, at which Police Chief Keith MacPherson, Mayor Jeannette McCarthy and several others praised the deputy chief for close to four decades of public service.

MacPherson, Stanton's former partner, said he greeted the day with "mixed emotions" after years of working alongside one another, but called Stanton's retirement "well-deserved."

"He's been a great co-worker, confidant, advisor and more than anything, friend," MacPherson said.

McCarthy, who graduated from Waltham High School with Stanton in 1971, said the deputy chief has been a friend of hers for many years and thanked him for his service to the city and for "just being a good guy."

Colleagues of Stanton's shared stories from his time with the Waltham Police Department. Some were funny and off-color, while others highlighted Stanton's real-life acts of heroism. Finally, the man of the hour got up and spoke, concluding the ceremony with profound thanks to everyone he worked alongside for 37 years.

"The only reason I'm here today is because of all of you," he said. "I know when I leave, the hands this place will be in."

Watch the ceremony below:

Image via Waltham PD Twitter