ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The search is officially on for a new chief to lead St. Petersburg Fire Rescue.
Former Fire Chief James Large retired on March 1 after 50 years with the department, serving as chief for 18 years.
"I'm humbled and honored to have dedicated my entire 50-year career to serving the City of St. Petersburg - it has been a long journey filled with so many memorable moments and personal experiences," Large said in a statement.
According to the city, the new chief should be "a dynamic and experienced leader" ready to continue St. Petersburg Fire Rescue's tradition of excellence. Job responsibilities include overseeing department operations, budget management, inter-local agreements and public relations.
"The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, extensive experience in firefighting and emergency management, and a commitment to serving the community," the city wrote in a news release. "The new fire chief will lead SPFR's commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and excellence."
The salary is no higher than $227,517, according to St. Pete city leaders. Qualified candidates can find out more at stpete.org/jobs.
The news of Large's retirement came in January, about six months after allegations that the chief made racist and sexist remarks at the station. The comments surfaced after an employee climate survey, the mayor's office said. Large maintained that the allegations were false.
Large was placed on administrative leave on Aug. 7 and reinstated on Aug. 24 following an investigation.
Asked by 10 Tampa Bay whether there was any merit to the allegations, Large said, "No, I was I was cleared of all those allegations. It was a little disheartening, I don't mind telling you, after 49.5 years of what is a very clear and clean record."
"We are grateful to Chief Large for his lifetime of service and commitment to public safety. We wish him and his family all the best in his future endeavors," St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch said in January.
Effective March 2, Deputy Chief Robert Bassett will serve as interim fire chief until a new chief is selected.
