From the Northwest Indiana Times: Hammond (Ind.) Fire Chief David Hamm is retiring after 33 years of service to the city, taking advantage of a buyout program the city council approved earlier this month.

The city's buyout program offers $1,000 per year of service to each retirement-eligible employee in exchange for their retirement. After Hamm retires, the department has to cut one full-time position from its ranks.

Hamm said he will remain in his post until the end of this year, however, Deputy Chief Jeff Smith will fill in during that time because Hamm has accrued vacation and sick leave. Read the entire article here.