ROXBURY — Gordon Touchette was honored just before the annual town meeting Monday night for his many years of devotion to the Fire Department.

Touchette served as fire chief for 16 years, retiring in 2005.

Born in Roxbury, he moved to Ridgefield Park, N.J., where he met his wife, Mary, and served in that Fire Department for decades before returning to his hometown.

“I’ve worked in the fire service for more than 50 years,” Touchette told current Roxbury fire Chief Ray Carver and the crowd of about 50 residents.

The 2011 annual town report was dedicated to Touchette and his wife for their many years of service.

Carver presented Touchette with his helmet, which was retired, and a plaque.

Mary Touchette said her husband had been instrumental in implementing the 911 emergency addressing system in Roxbury, had worked for the census, and sits on the Board of Directors for Med-Care Ambulance Service.