Crime & Safety
Fire Chief Plans to Retire in 2012
James Williams to retire after 16 years as head of Kent Fire Department
After 33 years on the job, Kent Fire Chief James Williams is planning to retire.
Williams has spent his entire career with Kent, and the past 16 have been as the head of Portage County's largest department.
The past few months have been tough for Williams, 53, who has taken time off to deal with personal health issues, and in October lost long-time friend and fellow Kent firefighter to cancer.
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"It’s been a very difficult decision for me to retire," Williams told the Record-Courier.
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