At Friday’s official farewell event in Council Chambers, Los Alamos County Deputy Fire Chief Justin Grider who retired last month, receives a custom hand-made ax from Firefighter and Honor Guard Commander William Nackers. From left, Battalion Chief Steve Dewald, Battalion Chief Joseph Candaleria, Firefighter Honor Guard Commander William Nackers, Retired Deputy Chief Justin Grider, Acting Deputy Chief Paul Grano and Battalion Chief Wendy Servey. Photo by Cori Grider

Retired Los Alamos County Deputy Fire Chief Justin Grider, center, with Fire Chief Troy Hughes and his wife Jodi Highes. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Retired Deputy Fire Chief Justin Grider with his retirement gifts and his family, from left, wife Cori, daughter Madisen, 13, and son Charlie, 9. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Retired Deputy Fire Chief Justin Grider with his friend Martha Katko. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Charlie Grider holds his dad’s new ax as retired Deputy Fire Chief Justin Grider holds a cake created with a few of his favrite things including a fire truck and bacon. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Deputy Fire Chief Justin Grider says goodbye to friends from LAFD’s Color Guard. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Deputy Fire Chief Justin Grider says goodbye to friends Friday outside the Municipal Building. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Retired Deputy Fire Chief Justin Grider, center, receives a Nambe plaque from Los Alamos County Deputy Managers Brian Boshardt, left, and Stephen Lynne. Photo by Cori Grider

Retired Los Alamos County Deputy Fire Chief Justin Grider follows the Honor Guard (which he established for LADF with William Nackers and Keith Henty) for his last ride with LAFD. Photo by Cori Grider

Charlie Grider, 9, joins his father Justin Grider on his way to his last ride. Photo by Cori Grider