The city's fire chief is stepping down July 1, after 31 years with the department.
David Anderson, 51, started out as a firefighter and became chief five years ago.
City Manager Roger Nelson said Anderson felt "it was just time to move on."
Anderson could not be reached to comment.
"He will be missed, absolutely," Nelson said. "We've lost 31 years' worth of knowledge in the Fire Department."
Under his leadership, the department prepared for the opening of Grapevine Mills mall and the Gaylord Texan Resort & Convention Center on Lake Grapevine, Nelson said.
Firefighters traveled to other Gaylord hotels to study safety procedures and started practicing at the 55-acre site about a year before the resort opened in 2004.
Anderson also started many educational safety programs for children and adults. He instituted a wellness program for firefighters that required them to stay in shape and work out on every shift. The leading cause of death for on-duty firefighters is heart attacks.
"In the five years he's been chief he was instrumental," Nelson said. "He is well-eligible for retirement."
Distributed by the Associated Press
