Edgartown leaders paid tribute and acknowledged the contributions of former fire chief Antone A. (Tony) Bettencourt, who died Tuesday at the age of 78.

Mr. Bettencourt had been a volunteer firefighter for 43 years, and had been the town fire chief for 17 years until his retirement in 2006.

“It is with deep regret that the Edgartown fire department announces the passing of retired chief Antone Bettencourt . . . His years of dedication and love for the fire service helped shape the Edgartown fire department for years to come,” the Edgartown fire department said in a post on its Facebook page Tuesday.

“EFD Chief Bettencourt will be long remembered for his service to Edgartown. He will be missed by many and our thoughts are with the Bettencourt family, friends, and the Edgartown fire department,” the police department said in a post on its page.

Services will be private.

A death notice appears on the Gazette obituary page online.