The Artesia City Council expressed mixed emotions Tuesday over the request for approval of the retirement of Fire Chief J.D. Hummingbird but unanimously agreed that the Artesia Fire Department has flourished under Hummingbird’s leadership. Hummingbird’s retirement was pulled from the consent agenda by Councilor Kent Bratcher in order to recognize the chief and his contributions to the community. “We appreciate what you’ve done for the department and wish you well in your future endeavors,” Bratcher said prior to the vote, which received one tongue-in-cheek “nay” from Councilor Bill Rogers, whose son is a local firefighter.