Firehouse.com

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July 16--A senior officer in the Anchorage Fire Department is leaving the department today for reasons that she and the department declined to discuss Thursday.

Deputy Chief of Administration Michelle Weston, 41, announced Thursday that she will be leaving. She has been with the department since 2001 and had run the administrative and support service divisions since July 2006.

"It was a very hard decision to leave AFD," Weston said in a statement. "I loved the job and my co-workers, and I truly think we have some of the best command staff and firefighters in the U.S."

Weston would not give a reason for her departure, saying only that it was her choice. Fire Chief Mark Hall said she resigned without giving a reason. He called her an asset to the department.

City officials said Weston turned in her notice three weeks ago. They would not release a copy of her resignation letter, saying it was a personnel matter.

In her statement, Weston said she is "worried about the quietness of Monday morning" but plans to enjoy the rest of the summer kayaking, fishing and camping.