By Chris Mazzolini
The Wilmington Morning Star

WILMINGTON, N.C. — Wilmington Fire Chief Sam Hill Jr., a 50-year veteran of the department, plans to retire next year, city officials said Tuesday.

Hill, who began working with the department as a 22-year-old in 1957, has been contemplating retirement for about a year and finalized his decision Tuesday afternoon, said City Manager Sterling Cheatham. Hill will retire March 31, 2008.

The announcement was made late Tuesday. Hill was not available for comment because he was telling the members of the department about his retirement, Cheatham said.

Full Story: Wilmington fire chief to end 50 years of service