He says he'll miss working in emergency services, but it's time to go. Chief Will May, the Head of Alachua County's Department of Public Safety, says the 34 years he worked for the county have flown by.

He says one of the hardest times was watching the firefighters lose their lives during the Sept. 11 attacks.

One of the best times , he says, was in 2006 when the county adopted a fire and emergency services master plan, which he says helped to maintain a high level of emergency response for the community.

"It's the right time to do it," said May. "I'm ready for it. I'm going to miss the fire and emergency services, but I'll still have plenty of activities involved in that area, through my continued committee work with the National Association of Fire Chiefs, and I'm committed to them for the next three to four years."

May says he made the decision to retire last June while vacationing in Australia with his family.

He says with his free time, he wants to do more traveling.

May's last day will be Jan. 31.

Deputy Director Ed Bailey will serve as interim until a permanent replacement is found.