Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue Fire Chief Roy Lusk today announced his plans for retirement. Lusks announcement came during the regular meeting of the Board of Commissioners.

Lusk was appointed as the Interim Chief in June of 2009, while the district searched to replace then retiring Fire Chief Ken Burdette. That search ended in Sept. 2009 when the commissioners decided to hire Lusk as their new Chief.  Lusk, who was then eligible for retirement, accepted to the job.

Lusk said that he and his wife Jenaye, the Office Manager at Klahowya Secondary School, will both retire on July 1, 2012. The early retirement notification allows the Board time to begin the search for a replacement, Lusk said.

The long-time local firefighter joined them Kitsap County Fire District 1 while a student at Central Kitsap High School. Lusk continued to serve as a volunteer for 13 years achieving the ranks of Station Lieutenant, Station Captain, Battalion Chief and District Assistant Chief along the way.

Lusk was hired as the first paid Assistant Chief in 1982, and was instrumental in organizing the District’s first Fire Prevention, Public Education, Fire Inspection and Fire Investigation programs.

Additional assignments within his career have been associated with the Hazardous Materials, Operations and Support Service Divisions.

Lusk’s retirement ends 43 years of continued service to Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue and also marks the end of over 50 years of family member involvement in the organization.  Lusk’s wife, Jenaye, served as a Volunteer for 31 years achieving the rank of Station Captain.  His father-in-law, Glenn Thompson, served as a Volunteer Firefighter and Fire Commissioner, and his brother-in-law, Tom Thompson, and his son-in-law, Aaron Leavell, also served as Volunteer Firefighters.