HANSON, Mass. — A Hanson firefighter had a special surprise for one of his former teachers following her last school fire drill before retirement.
A fire drill was conducted on Thursday afternoon Hanson Middle School.
Hanson Fire Lieutenant Charley Barends manages the school fire drills for his department. He’s a lifelong Hanson resident who went to elementary school in town.
“Last one,” Walker told Barends.
As students and teachers filed back into the school once the drill concluded, Barends pulled aside his former teacher, Holly Walker, who’s set to retire from teaching at the end of the school year.
“That’s it,” Barends replied, while handing Walker a bouquet of flowers. “28 years ago you walked out with me. Today’s your last one. Happy retirement.”
Walker was brought to tears as she gave Barends a hug and thanked him.
Barends joked Walker was the only teacher ever to give him detention.