ORANGE COUNTY, Fla.,None — Orange County Fire Chief Carl Plaugher announced his retirement on Wednesday, according to a county release. Plaugher's retirement goes into effect on November 18.
Plaugher has been the county's fire chief since December 2000 and his career spans 39 years as a fire service professional, according to the release.
"I think we're not going to do anymore of the interview," Plaugher said to WFTV reporter Daralene Jones.
Plaugher abruptly cut the interview short and became emotional when asked how he wanted to be remembered.
He told WFTV the question caught him off guard because it finally hit him that he was retiring.
"Are you being forced out?" Jones asked.
"No, in fact I was asked to stay," he replied.
Plaugher said he started the paperwork in May, just a few months after WFTV first exposed Plaugher when he re-hired six employees, after they retired from the agency.
So now, they're collecting a pension and a new salary.
One of them, Dave Hepker, makes $165,000 a year with his pension, which is $20,000 more than the chief.
WFTV also obtained video that showed firefighters blowing through red lights and flipping off a driver on the way to an emergency call. Then, they tried to run the driver off the road. Two were disciplined, one was fired.
Plaugher said that controversy had nothing to do with his decision to retire.
"It is the mission of the fire chief to protect the fire department and the citizens. When you have shenanigans like that, clearly you're not doing that," he said.
Plaugher wouldn't hint at what's next for him, but ruled out a life in politics.
"You know, I have a tremendous amount of respect for politicians. Everyone, including you, beats them up on a regular basis. They have a tough job," he said.
Plaugher oversaw a significant increase in the diversity of the organization and helped it become the nation’s fifth largest fire rescue department to gain national accreditation.
"I applaud Carl for his leadership and 11 years of meritorious service to the citizens of Orange County," said Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs. "He stood tall on many occasions, including three consecutive hurricanes in 2004. His shoes will be difficult to fill."
Jacobs has appointed Deputy Fire Chief Jim Fitzgerald to serve as Interim-Fire Chief until a permanent replacement can be found.
The release states that the county will conduct a national search to recruit Orange County’s next fire chief.