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Salt Lake City Fire Chief Kurt Cook's nearly three decades of service, including the past five as chief, came to an end on Thursday.
Cook, 54, who was sworn in as chief in October 2009, had earlier announced his retirement effective May 1. He said farewell to staff and well-wishers during a retirement party at the Public Safety Building on Thursday afternoon.
The son of a firefighter, Cook joined SLCFD on Nov. 1, 1985, as a recruit. In March 1992, he was promoted to an engineer, driving fire engines and trucks on calls throughout the city. He was promoted to captain in July 1996, overseeing firefighter training and station operations.
In March 2000, Cook was made a battalion chief, and in August 2006 was promoted to a deputy chief slot, where he was given executive and administrative oversight for the department.
Mayor Ralph Becker, who has yet to appoint an interim chief, praised Cook's service to the city as "outstanding in all aspects.
"Chief Cook's commitment and dedication to our city over the last 30 years is nothing short of exemplary," Becker stated. "His leadership and vision have helped make our fire department one of the top first-responder agencies in the country and he leaves a legacy of success and high-performance for our community. He will be much missed."
Cook said he had been honored to work "alongside so many tremendous men and women," fulfilling childhood dreams of following in the footsteps of his father, SLCFD Capt. Ron Cook.
"I offer my sincere gratitude to Mayor Ralph Becker for giving me the opportunity to serve Salt Lake City as its fire chief," Cook said. "I am also thankful to all of the city officials with whom I had the pleasure of working alongside, as well as the residents of Salt Lake City for allowing me to serve."
Salt Lake City plans to announce Chief Cook's successor in the coming weeks, the mayor's office confirmed.
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