(FOX40.COM) — The Cal Fire Nevada Yuba Placer Unit and the Placer County Fire Department Fire Chief Brian Estes have announced his retirement at the end of the year after 35 years of service. • Video above: 20-minute interview of Chief Brian Estes

Chief Estes grew up in Butte County, where he graduated from the top of his class from the Butte Fire Academy in 1991. He started his career in San Diego and made his way to Tuolumne County to be part of their helicopter crew.

During his career, Estes was promoted to captain in 2002 and battalion chief in 2005. He told FOX40 the most exciting day-to-day was when he worked on the helicopters, but what was most rewarding for him was the relationships he built with other people in the fire service, elected officials, and those in the community.

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