In any town, firefighters are typically experts on shortcuts, the government, and the social scene. That knowledge is amplified when a firefighter works in his hometown, so consider Bill Cross an expert on Saugus.

Cross moved to Saugus as a first-grader in 1972. He’s spent the past 23 years with the Fire Department, and the 49-year-old has never thought about leaving. “When you look at other cities and towns, there’s more room for advancement,’’ Cross said, “but when you work in the town you grew up in, you have a vested interest there. You know the people, [and] it’s more like caring for your family.’’

That sort of dedication is common in Saugus, a community north of Boston that serves as a gateway to the North Shore. Saugus can be difficult to categorize, but these days it’s most commonly regarded as a middle-class suburb. The town is known for, among other things, its stretch of Route 1, which features every chain retailer and restaurant imaginable, as well as some wacky landmarks.

Despite the community’s reputation as a retail haven, Cross points out that Saugus is just as close-knit as any small town. “It’s a community with generations of people,’’ he said. “They welcome you with open arms, and that’s what keeps us here. My wife wants to downsize and go somewhere, and I’m like: ‘Where do you want to go?’ I know everyone here and I like it.’ ’’

Much of the Fire Department reflects that sentiment. Cross said there are two other firefighters from his high school graduating class in his department and another six that were in different grades during his time at Saugus High.

Cross said he has noticed changes in the community — there are fewer young kids out and about, and the area has lost landmarks — but the town clings to its roots.

“For people in town, their grandparents live here, and their parents [do, too], and their kids buy homes,’’ the father of three said. “The people around this town make it the way it is.’’

Jon Mael is a writer based in Sharon. He can be reached at jmael2014@gmail.com.