Chief Cherry’s retirement became effective at the end of December. He wanted to step down quietly before undergoing hip replacement surgery last week. But Fire Department Captain Jim Doucette says Cherry will actually still be leading the department.  

"The city manager asked for him to stay until they’re able to find a replacement for him, which they hope to do in about a year and until his doctor clears him his plans are to come back as a retired annuitant."

A retired annuitant is a former participant in a public retirement system who is rehired by the same employer.

Cherry is expected to be back on the job in February. His replacement will likely take over in early 2008. Cherry has been with the department for 30-years.