The City of Charleston Fire Deparment Chief, Rusty Thomas, submitted his letter of retirement to the city Wednesday morning. He will retire from the department June 27, 2008. 

This just a week after the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health released a report documenting a failure in command the night of the Sofa Super Store fire. 

In his letter, Thomas says all he ever wanted to be was a firefighter, following in his father's footsteps.

The Chief added that losing nine "friends" the night of the Sofa Super Store fire, changed the department forever.  He added that over the last 11 months, he has dedicated his time to improving the department through "intense self examination"  and an "ongoing effort to bring our department in line with the highest standard of firefighter safety."

In a letter formally accepting the Chief's retirement, Mayor Joe Riley (web|news|bio) said he was happy for the Thomas family, who could now start the next phase of life which Riley added is "most justly deserved."  Riley reflected on the Chief's years of service, remarking that in 32 years, Thomas had only taken one day of sick leave and that his "can do spirit is the stuff of legends."

Chief Thomas is a third generation Charleston firefighter, and has served as a member of the department since June of 1976.  He has served as Chief since 1992.

Click here to read Chief Rusty Thomas' resignation letter
Click here to read Mayor Joe Riley's response

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