Wayland Patch 2/21/12: Fire Chief Looks Forward, Back on Eve of Retirement. Wayland Fire Chief Bob Loomer isn’t a second or third generation firefighter, but he does have a passion for the fire industry running through his veins. Loomer’s last day as Wayland’s chief fire officer is Feb. 24. He will retire after just over eight years as Wayland’s chief and 42 years in the industry. Those 42 years of moments in time and lessons learned surround Loomer in the form of various memorabilia he keeps in his upstairs corner office at the Wayland Public Safety Building. Awards, statues, plaques – four decades in a profession, all four decades spent at only two departments, make for plenty of nostalgia.