Both proud service to his city and encounters with tragedy marked the 34-year career of Toledo Fire and Rescue Department Chief Luis Santiago.
After announcing his retirement in a letter to firefighters earlier this month, Chief Santiago during an interview with The Blade Tuesday said retiring was absolutely a difficult decision, but a combination of factors made the timing right.
“I think with my years of service, and my age, which I still have the capacity to do something else, this was a good time,” he said.
Chief Santiago, 54, added he had to analyze the totality of the situation, including the transition and his family. “This is totally my decision, and when I'm retiring, and how I'm retiring,” Chief Santiago said.