A couple of longtime and talented Marion department heads are preparing to retire, Selectmen learned on Tuesday night.

Town Administrator Paul Dawson said Harbormaster Mike Cormier and Council on Aging Director Sue Schwager recently informed him of their plans to step down.

“It’s sad,” Dawson said. “In my time here I haven’t announced the retirement of a department head. For me to do that twice in the same meeting is quite a thing. I will miss having them around.”

Cormier has been harbormaster for the past decade after retiring from the Police Department as a sergeant after 21 years of service.

Dawson said Cormier’s official retirement date is Jan. 1 2016. However, he’ll be using accrued vacation time before then, and he is expected to stop working the end of November.

“I don’t think I have to tell anybody in this room about the dedication and incredible amount of talent and energy he’s brought to the post,” Dawson said.

Selectmen also praised Cormier’s performance through his tenure.

“It’s a huge loss. He’s done a lot for our waterfront,” said Chair Stephen Cushing, adding that Cormier’s fiscal management has saved the town a substantial amount of money.

Dawson said Schwager hasn’t set an official date for her retirement yet. He also congratulated her on her dedicated work on behalf of Marion residents.

“She is a talented department head who has done yeoman’s work in advancing the agenda of older Americans, which is an increasing demographic here in Marion,” Dawson said.

Looking ahead, Dawson said advertisements will soon be posted for both positions.