Fairfield's fire chief says he'll retire after 56 years on the job.
The Connecticut Post reports that Richard Felner informed the Fire Commission on Thursday he'll retire when his contract expires in June 2015.
The 76-year-old Felner says he had a rewarding career serving in every capacity from rookie firefighter to chief. His first day was Feb. 2, 1959.
First Selectman Michael Tetreau says he believes Felner is Fairfield's longest-serving public employee.
His work has not been without controversy.
Assistant Chief George Gomola accused Felner two years ago of slapping him. An investigation concluded that Felner "more likely than not" slapped Gomola, but the commission did not take disciplinary action.
More recently, Felner was criticized when firefighters were promoted shortly before retirement, raising their pension payouts.
