Sand Springs Fire Chief Announces Retirement

NewsOn6.com

SAND SPRINGS, Oklahoma -- Sand Springs Fire Chief Mark Joslin says he will be retiring effective August 26, 2011.

In a news release from the city of Sand Springs, Joslin has agreed to step down from the position effective January 1, 2011 to help with the transition process.

Joslin is a 24-year veteran of the fire department, beginning as a firefighter and being promoted through the ranks to become Fire Chief in 2002.

"The City and the Fire Department have been my extended family for almost a quarter century. It will be hard to leave, but my senses tell me that it's time for new leadership," Joslin said.

Interim City Manager Bruce Ford said Joslin's retirement will be a loss to Sand Springs.

Joslin says the city of Sand Springs Fire Department's improvements have been a cooperative effort among many individuals and entities – including the City Council, citizens and businesses, regional emergency response agencies, other administrative staff members within the City and the Fire Department and, most of all, the individual firefighters who give of themselves for the community every day.

"It is extremely important to have the right people in organizational positions when undertaking any new goal or project," Mark Joslin said. "The Sand Springs Fire Department is a healthy, highly professional fire department with a regional reputation for excellence. I'm very proud of them and for what they will accomplish in the future."

Joslin says he does not have immediate plans following his retirement in August.