Juneau’s longtime fire chief announced he plans to retire later this fall.

Rich Etheridge has been at the helm of Capital City Fire/Rescue for more than 15 years. During that time, he led the department as it responded to countless house fires, search and rescues and natural disaster events.

He said he intends to help recruit and train his replacement before his departure, which doesn’t have a firm date yet. He said retirement kind of crept up on him.

“Everybody said you’ll just know when it’s time. And I’m like, ‘What?’ I don’t know what that meant,” he said. “But it’s true — you just know.”

Etheridge has worked in public service for more than three decades. During that time, he served as an Alaska State Trooper and Juneau’s fire marshal before becoming chief. He said he plans to enjo

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