ARLINGTON — After more than 50 years in the fire service — 33 years as Fire Chief — and almost five years as Fire Chief in Arlington, Jim Rankin has announced his retirement, effective July 1.

“Jim brought an incredible set of skills and qualifications to Arlington and was instrumental in ensuring that our citizens received the highest levels of Emergency Medical and fire services,” said Mayor Margaret Larson in a release from the city. “Chief Rankin has strengthened our partnerships with our neighboring fire districts and led the department in the assumption of fire and EMS services in the Smokey Point, West Bluff and Island Crossing areas of Arlington that occurred in October 2009. He will be truly missed.”

Rankin said he was proud of what the department has accomplished in the past five years.

“When I joined the city, Mayor Larson challenged me and the entire department to raise the bar,” Rankin said. “We’ve succeeded in that challenge on many levels. It’s now time to let another take the reins and raise the bar even higher.”

Rankin said he is looking forward to a much less demanding schedule without meetings, deadlines and challenges.

Rankin joined the Arlington Fire Department on October 31, 2005. He did not waste any time jumping in, responding to an October 30, 2005 Modern Furniture fire on the night before his first official day on the job.

Prior to joining the city of Arlington, Rankin served as King County Fire Marshal, Fire Chief for the city of Issaquah, and Fire Chief for Eastside Fire and Rescue. He began his career in the fire service in California.

According to the release, city officials anticipate that the search for the their next Fire Chief, which was officially launched today, will take three to four months.