Stratford’s fire chief has announced his plans for retirement after 34 years of service.
Richard Young began his career in firefighting in Cambridge, where he spent 10 years before making the move to Stratford. Young fought Festival City blazes for 24 years, the past nine of which have been spent as Chief.
“It’s time,” he said Monday at Stratford’s City Council meeting, where his retirement was announced.
“It’s normal, in firefighting, to retire at the age of 60, and I turned 60 in May,” he explained.
Young says he plans to spend more time with his family, as well as time away at the trailer and travelling. He adds he’ll miss the camaraderie of the Straford Fire Department.
“I’ll miss the guys; the excitement,” he said. “Stratford’s been good to me. I’ve really enjoyed my time here. Everyone here’s been wonderful.”
CAO Ron Shaw says city staff will begin advertising to fill Young’s position right away, both internally and externally.
He adds that, under Young, the Stratford Fire Department has seen improved firefighting and lifesaving techniques, as well as the modernization of the dispatch system.
“He’s been a very conscientious leader,” added Shaw. “He will leave big shoes to fill.”