Leonard Carmichael Jr., who grew up in North Trenton dreaming of being a Trenton firefighter, has retired as deputy chief, the department's highest uniformed rank.
Carmichael served over 25 years and held every position in the department, having served as acting fire director for 10 months in 2010 - and briefly in 2014.
"It's been a great ride," Carmichael said Monday. His last work day was Friday. "For a kid growing up on Fountain Avenue, it was a lifelong dream to be a city firefighter," Carmichael said.
His career, though, proved to be much more.
Carmichael said he had some "ups and downs," but he leaves honored to have risen through the ranks and done every job as a firefighter.
"It was great to be able to help the city, and to lead the men and women of this great department," he said.