4:07 PM

Yesterday, Portland Fire Chief John Klum announced his plans to retire in June 2012 after 34 years of fire service, four of which were spent as Portland’s Fire Chief. 

In a memo sent to Fire Bureau staff on January 4th, Klum wrote,

"I wanted to let all of you know that I have submitted a letter to Commissioner Leonard stating my plans to retire this coming June. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you all for your commitment and support that not only has helped me be a better Chief the past four years, but for many of you over my entire career. I will have spent thirty-four years in a Bureau and City that I love and I am very proud to have served with you all. You are the best of the best. I look forward to the internal selection of my replacement and to be able to have a few months with them for a smooth transition."

Klum, who began sharing his retirement plans with the bureau’s leadership team in July 2010, looks forward to spending more time with his wife and two young children, ages 7 and 8.  He has actively served in a supervisory capacity for Portland Fire & Rescue for 29 of his 34 years of fire service.

With Klum’s announcement, the City of Portland’s Human Resources Bureau will facilitate a recruitment for a candidate to replace Klum when he leaves the bureau in June.  Selection of the final candidate will be made by Fire Commissioner Randy Leonard.

Portland Fire & Rescue is planning a celebration of service for Chief Klum in Summer, 2012.