Fleet Services hosted a cookout at its Loraine Street shop earlier this week to celebrate Charles H. Long's retirement after 40 years with the City of Knoxville.

Long is a heavy equipment mechanic and had worked on the second shift for several years working on machinery ranging from construction equipment to street sweepers, boom trucks and salt spreaders.

Mike Smith, the shop supervisor, said that Long is well-liked around the shop and is going to be missed both as a friend and for his skills.

"Oh yeah, he is a really good guy and he's one of the best workers we've had," Smith said. "He's done quality work."

Long, who is deaf, joined the city in 1971 starting out at the city's old Baxter Avenue facility.

"I have made a lot of good friends while working for the City of Knoxville," he said. "That is the reason I have stayed so long working for the city, the good friendships that have developed over the years."

Long is planning an active retirement that includes spending time with family in Tennessee and Kentucky and pursuing his hobbies.

"My hobbies are going fishing and hunting and I am planning on traveling around the states with my wife, Kathy, and seeing all the beautiful things that America has to offer."