Flagstaff fire chief announces plan for retirement

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) - Flagstaff's fire chief has announced plans to retire in early 2014.

Mike Iacona has been at the helm of the Flagstaff Fire Department since July 2002.

City manager Kevin Burke says a national search for Iacona's replacement will begin in January and is expected to take up to 9 months. Iacona will help with the transition.

The city says Iacona led efforts during his tenure to acquire a new ladder truck, a fleet of wildland fire engines, two hazardous materials response vehicles and a new fire training center.

Iacona says he's proud to have been affiliated with what he called 1 of the finest fire rescue operations in the country.

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