In 2013, resident Edward Pimental spent four days in Dartmouth's emergency shelter, after persistent snowstorms buried New England. Despite the exhausting task of directing the town's emergency management response, Pimental continued for four more years.

The Select Board officially recognized Pimental's service to the town on Monday. Pimental has served as the Emergency Management Agency director for 34 years, and had announced his resignation earlier this year.

"Everyone's been great to me. It's been tough, but it's time to do something else," Pimental said to the board.

According to the town website, the EMA acts in case of civilian disasters caused by hurricane, flood, or major power failure, aiding police communications and emergency lighting when needed. The town agency works under the general direction of the state Emergency Management Agency.

"To have an individual give so much to the community and not expect anything back is a rare occurrence indeed," said Select Board member Shawn McDonald, additionally recognizing Pimental's family. His wife Nancy and daughter Heidi Telles both attended the meeting to watch Pimental receive the plaque.

Pimental had also served on the Park Board for 14 years, the Veterans Advisory Board, the Board of Public Works, and could be seen reffing calls at Crapo Field for the Dartmouth Youth Activities Association. He's also been a Town Meeting member and received a bronze star for his service during the Vietnam War.

"The greatest thing was meeting a lot of people. The biggest thrill I had was doing the parade," said Pimental, referring to Fire District No. 3's Halloween Parade. It was his first detail, he recalled at the board meeting. This year's parade will be his last, he said.

District No. 3 will host its Halloween Bash on October 31 its Cross Road headquarters. The parade begins at 6 p.m. at the station. A magic show will follow.