Sloatsburg Mayor Carl Wright is preparing to retire after 56 years of public service.

Wright began his career as a volunteer firefighter in 1964. Before becoming mayor in 1975, he served the public as a police officer in the '70s.

He’s held his position as mayor for 30 of the last 45 years. 

When asked what was similar in each position, Wright says “working with people and people working with you.”

According to the veteran public service member, the experiences have been priceless. “What you get back, you can't put a price tag on it,” says Wright.

He’s guided the village through the 1987 water crisis, 9/11, the Great Recession, and now, the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wright has also participated in groundbreaking ceremonies like the village library expanding twice, along with the growth of the fire department.

He tells News 12 he hopes he’s impacted the lives of many people in positive ways.

At almost 80 years old, Wright believes the time to retire is now. He survived being hit by a car, cancer and quadruple bypass surgery.

"I'm going to be 80. It's going to be such a big change for me,” says Carl Wright.