St. Petersburg Fire Chief Jim Large is set to retire in March, concluding a remarkable 50-year career with the Fire Rescue Department. His tenure includes 18 years as chief, and February marks the milestone of his service to the city. The retirement announcement comes at a critical time, just before a City Council committee's evaluation of the department, following accusations against Large of fostering a hostile work environment for women and minorities. However, Mayor Ken Welch's review cleared Large of these accusations, reaffirming his leadership capabilities.

In a heartfelt statement, Large described his career as "humbling and honoring," emphasizing the memorable experiences he shared with the community and his colleagues. Mayor Welch acknowledged Large's dedication and the exceptional team he led, stating that they delivered high-quality emergency responses to the community. The retirement marks a significant transition for St. Petersburg Fire Rescue, and the city looks forward to new leadership in the department. As Large steps away, his contributions to public safety and community service will be sincerely missed.