County Fire Chief Resigns

Anne Arundel County Fire Chief Robert Ray has announced his retirement, effective May 1. 

Ray, who became chief of the department in 2008, said he was stepping down to spend more time with his family, including a new grandson. 

Ray is a 35-year veteran of the fire department and has served in nearly every major area, according to a press release. He previously served as Fire Marshall and the director of Inspections and Permits.

During his time as chief, the department built new fire houses at Marley Station and Annapolis Neck and implemented a new EMS billing program that produced $20 million in revenue. He also served as chairman of the Baltimore Metropolitan Fire Chief's Council.

The retirement comes amid heavy turnover in staff under new County Executive Laura Neuman. 

Since her appointment in February, Neuman has overhauled the security and constituent services areas, and also recently accepted the resignation of Robert Hannon, the president of the Anne Arundel County Economic Development Corp. 

The fire department is conducting a national search for a replacement. If one is not selected by May 1, an Acting Chief will be installed.