After decades of service, Spanish Fort Fire Chief Roger Few is retiring later this year.

Few’s retirement was announced by Spanish Fort Fire Rescue on Friday, June 19. A Spanish Fort native, he has served with the fire department for 45 years, including as fire chief for 35 years and as the city's first paid fire chief for 17 years.

Few recalled that when he first started working, the fire department had only a handful of people responding to roughly a dozen calls a month. The headquarters didn’t even have running water. Today, the department has more than 55 firefighters across three fire stations and responds to over 2,000 calls a year.

“I don’t have any doubt that they will continue to grow and continue to do the good things that they do,” Few told GCM. “As I expressed to them Friday, they all know what the mission is. They’re just going to have to pick the ball up and start running with it, so I just wish them a lot of success and a lot of safety.”

Along with the department’s growth, Few said he has also enjoyed the community aspect of being a fire chief, with the department being involved in community programs every week. They recently finished a summer camp, where the fire department led children through hands-on activities, fire safety lessons and demonstrations.

“I’ve been very fortunate to be involved in being part of it,” Few said. “It’s been phenomenal.”

Few’s last day with the department is Sept. 30. He said he is ready to spend time with his family. His oldest daughter graduates from high school this year and is preparing to head off to college. Meanwhile, his other daughter is about to start her junior year of high school.

“Throughout his career, Chief Few has led with integrity, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to protecting the citizens of Spanish Fort,” Spanish Fort Fire Rescue said in a statement on social media. “Under his leadership, the department grew alongside the community, strengthened training and professional standards, built lasting community partnerships and successfully transitioned to a combination paid and volunteer department.”