After more than 38 years of dedicated service to the fire service profession and almost 35 years with the Bellevue Fire Department, Fire Chief Mark Risen announced his retirement today. Chief Risen served as Bellevue’s interim fire chief for nearly a year before being appointed to the position permanently in May 2015. His last day will be September 29. “Mark is an effective leader and one who will be remembered for his distinguished service to the community,” said City Manager Brad Miyake. “Mark has boldly managed the transition of our fire department from a suburban to an urban service provider. He has been a tremendous asset to the city organization as he leaves the department well-positioned to meet the city’s growing needs.”