Ron Simmons is planning to call it a day soon.
He’s been Snohomish Fire’s chief the past seven years, but that’s just one-fifth of his 35-year career at the department.
His first day was Nov. 11, 1985. He’s decided his last will be June 31.
Fire District 4 won’t be selecting the new chief until as late as June, but its board began discussing the position this week after press time.
“I think it’s just now time to relax for a little bit, and not having to carry two phones and be on the radio” and all the work involved. “Right now is a great time to plan for the future.”
“November (would) be 35 years here, ultimately that was the plan (for my retirement), but over the last couple years, it’s been wearing,” Simmons said.
He’s content that Fire District 4 is financially steady — a “great financial position,” he put it — as he leaves. The next chief will need to use “some common sense management” to keep things stable.
But he’s tired, he said. He turns 61 next month, and he’s ready to wind down.