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County fire chief resigns before pension changes
By Kathie Colgrove, Community Newspapers
Nassau County Fire Rescue Chief Sam Young, citing pending changes in state retirement benefits, will retire effective May 2.
Young joined the county in July 2003 as assistant fire chief. He became interim fire chief in November 2009 following the resignation of chief Chuck Cooper, and was named to the permanent position Feb. 22, 2010.
Young informed County Manager Ted Selby of his intentions by letter April 4. "I thank you for your counsel and friendship during the most difficult professional decision I have ever had to ponder or make," Young wrote.
"I leave behind a pioneering, aggressive and bold emergency medical service and fire provider that is well prepared to face the challenges that lay ahead, both professional and financial."
Selby said Young expressed his desire to leave employment amid state legislative changes that may affect retirement benefits for many serving in fire rescue and other civil and government organizations.
"I'm sorry to see him go," Selby said. "He is a good man and I think he's done an outstanding job as fire chief and I was happy to have him as fire chief."
He added that he has cautioned other department heads at or near retirement to keep an eye on Tallahassee and legislators' plans regarding possible reductions in retirement pensions and other benefits.
"I certainly don't hold that against any individual," Selby said. "They have to do what's best for them."
The Legislature is contemplating changes to pension and health insurance plans that would require contributions from employees and possible restrictions on retiree benefits. Those would take effect July 1 if approved by the Legislature this spring.
Story created Apr 18, 2011 - 07:59:30 PDT.
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