After more than three decades with the Covington Fire Department, Fire Chief Richard Griggs has announced his retirement.

Griggs, who began his career as a volunteer firefighter 33 years and eight months ago, said his final day of service will be July 3. He has served as fire chief for the past seven years, leading the department after working his way through the ranks.

“Over these years, I have had the privilege of serving this community with pride, honor, and integrity,” Griggs said in a statement Monday. “Without question, it has been the greatest job in the world, working alongside the finest firefighters and crews anyone could ask for.”

Griggs thanked the community for its support throughout his career and expressed gratitude to his family.

“I want to sincerely thank everyone for their continued support throughout my career, especially my family, who loved and supported me through the good times and the challenging ones,” he said.

Griggs said serving the city from his start as a volunteer firefighter to his current role as chief has been “an incredible journey.”

“I am proud to say that I have had the honor of serving the City of Covington from my beginnings as a volunteer firefighter all the way to serving as your fire chief for the last seven years of my career,” he said. “What an incredible journey and what a tremendous honor it has been.”

As he prepares to retire, Griggs asked residents to continue supporting the department and its firefighters.

“I ask that you continue to keep the members of the Covington Fire Department in your prayers each day for their safe return home,” he said. “Please continue to support these dedicated firefighters as they serve our community.”

Griggs said serving the city has been “the honor of a lifetime.”

City officials have not yet announced plans for selecting the department’s next fire chief.