TRAVERSE CITY — Long-time fire chief is hanging up his helmet after 36 years with the department, 17 of them as chief.

The Traverse City Fire Department announced the retirement of Chief Jim Tuller in a new release Thursday.

Tuller joined TCFD as a firefighter in 1990, was promoted to fire lieutenant in 2002, became a fire inspector in 2003 and was elevated to Fire Chief in 2008.

According to the release, safety was priority number one for Tuller and that emphasized maintaining an extensively trained and highly skilled staff. It goes on to say he built a team prepared to respond to any situation with professionalism, expertise and care.

In a statement, Tuller said, “It has been my honor and privilege to serve for our community and serve with all of the TCFD personnel, city staff, and a

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