Mesa fire chief retiring after 43 years of service
Sep 30, 2016, 5:49 AM
(Mesa Fire and Medical Department)
The fire chief in the city of Mesa has officially retired after working in the field for over 40 years.
Harry Beck started with the Phoenix Fire Department in 1973. He was promoted through the ranks, attaining the position of deputy fire chief. In 2003, he moved over to Mesa, where he became the city’s fire chief. Beck said he has enjoyed his time in Mesa, but he’s excited about retirement.
“I’m not going to go far, but still, after 43 years, it’s time to do something different,” Beck said.
Beck said he is planning on doing some traveling and taking it easy. Beck said even though he won’t be at the helm anymore, he is optimistic about the fire department’s future.
“I think just one person being gone isn’t really going to be that profound,” Beck said. “I’m really confident that things are underway and going in the right direction.”
Beck said he is proud of his department and the relationship being cultivated between Mesa’s firefighters and police officers. An interim fire chief will be hired next week as the search for a permanent replacement continues.