Tucson Fire Department Chief Jim Critchley announced his retirement Thursday after six years as head of the department.
Critchley sent out a memo to Tucson Fire Department personnel Thursday saying he loved his job, but decided to retire and focus on his family, department spokesman Julian Herrera said.
Critchley joined the Fire Department in 1988 and became chief in 2011. As chief, he earned about $176,000 a year, according to a 2016 city database of employee salaries. No date was given for Critchley’s retirement, but city officials said they expected it to be effective before the end of the year.
City Manager Mike Ortega praised Critchley for his years of service, saying he was an asset to the community who will be missed.