After more than 10 years as Fort Worth's fire chief, Rudolph "Rudy" Jackson Jr. has announced his retirement effective in March.
"He said he has had a long career here as a firefighter and he's moving on to retired life," said Kyle Falkner, Fire Department spokesman.
Jackson, who was named chief in March 2007, has been with the department for more than 35 years. Jackson filled a variety of positions with the department before his appointment as interim fire chief in September 2006 after the sudden death of then Fire Chief L. Charles Gaines. Jackson was deputy fire chief during the Gaines administration and was chosen for the top job among 50 candidates after a nationwide search.