After more than 14 years as chief of the Colorado Springs Fire Department Chief Manual Navarro has announced he is retiring.

Navarro has been chief of the fire department since January of 1994. His October retirement will bring an end to his 42 year career as a firefighter. He began at the age of 19 in the San Francisco Bay area.

Navarro says, "The decision to retire is a difficult one; the fire service has been how I have defined myself for these many years. It is most gratifying that I have been able to experience a long, exciting, and fulfilling career. Many friends-co-workers have become an integral part of my everyday life. The fire service has been my other family and will truly be missed."

During his time in the Springs Navarro has developed the FireWise program, opened four new fire stations and helped bring a new communication service to the department.

The city says it hopes to name a replacement before Navarro leaves.