NEW GLOUCESTER – It took only two days after New Gloucester Public Works Director Willard “Bill” Waterman’s official retirement on Nov. 30 before he was back on the road, plowing snow as a volunteer on Friday.

Waterman, 76, retired last week after serving New Gloucester’s Highway Department for nearly 29 years.

Waterman will be feted at a retirement party in combination with the town’s Christmas party from 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 10 at Spring Meadows in Gray.

Waterman, who was born and raised in New Gloucester, has strong family roots in town. He grew up on Hillsdale Farm on the Tobey Road and graduated from New Gloucester High School. He and his family sold farm and industrial equipment for the Oliver Stores Logging and Construction Equipment and Supplies.

Ten years ago, he was named director of the Public Works Department, adding the New Gloucester Transfer Station operation to his oversight.

During the summer of 2001, Cumberland County Soil and Water Conservation District recognized Waterman and his crew’s commitment in conservation practices within the Sabbathday Lake watershed for best management practices to safeguard the lake’s health.

Of his retirement, Waterman said: “I’m going to try to relax if I can get to,” puffing on his signature cigar. “I am trying not to get out in the middle of the night and work. Maybe I’ll plant a garden again, go hunting and fishing,” he said.

But, he said the staffing level is down, with his position and slot yet to be filled. He plans to volunteer his time again, if needed.

But he’s adamant that he’s not going to Florida; he’s going north to more remote destinations upcountry and beyond.

Waterman hopes to regain his agility and comfort after a pending hip replacement surgery, probably this winter, too. Last winter he underwent his first hip joint replacement and says it’s time to have the other hip done.

And, he recently bought a new pickup truck. Inside the cab, a cot is made up, signifying he’s ready for the road. His last truck, he said, amassed more than 200,000 miles. Waterman apologizes that it’s too hard for him to climb underneath his trucks and tinker anymore.

Waterman said he has taken the town’s safety seriously over the decades. During any given storm, it’s common to find him cruising the roads, checking for problems and tracking needed repair work. His handwritten records have been so accurate that over the years, New Gloucester has received reimbursement funds through FEMA for damage from hurricanes, snowstorms, ice jams, ice storms and other emergency circumstances.

His budgets were handwritten, too. He is not interested in becoming computer-savvy.

“I’ve given of myself and made personal sacrifice for the public’s safety,” he said.