PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - The acting fire chief in Providence is stepping down after more than two years on the job and nearly 39 years with the department.
Michael Dillon is retiring on Sept. 15. He joined the fire department in 1974. He tells WPRI-TV that he has "aged out," referring to the requirement that public safety employees retire at age 60.
Dillon rose through the department's ranks to become assistant chief of operations before being promoted to acting chief in 2011 when former Chief George Farrell retired. The city began a search for a new fire chief but ended up keeping Dillon in the acting role.
The station reports Public Safety Commissioner Steven Pare notified fire department officials of Dillon's planned retirement in a letter Tuesday.