MEDFORD, Ore. — Medford Fire-Rescue Chief Brian Fish will be retiring later this year, he announced at a press conference at Fire Station 3 on Wednesday morning.

Chief Fish will step down effective December 1, 2019, having served the city of Medford for more than 30 years.

“Being able to have a positive impact on the community’s lives has been the best part of working at the City. When our community members are having a bad day or find themselves in an emergency situation, we have the opportunity to help make their day just a little bit brighter,” Fish said.

Fish has served as Medford’s fire chief since 2014, and celebrated 30 years of service to the City in January.

He began his career as a firefighter in 1989, working at several fire stations in the Medford area before being promoted to Captain in 1995. He became Training Chief in 1997. In 2014, Fish rose to Deputy Chief of Operations before jumping again to become Chief of Medford Fire-Rescue.

“Chief Fish has served the City of Medford for the past 30 years with a high level of professionalism and integrity. We are fortunate to have Chief assist in the selection of his successor. His retirement is much deserved and he will be greatly missed,” said City Manager Brian Sjothun.

According to the City of Medford, the department built three new fire stations, improved safety practices for fire personnel — including the establishment of a cancer prevention program — and strengthened relationships with community organizations as well as neighboring fire departments under Chief Fish's leadership.

Fish will be aiding the City in recruiting, selecting and transitioning to a new fire Chief in the coming months.