Buffalo Fire Commissioner Garnell W. Whitfield Jr. retired this week from the position he has held since 2010, citing health concerns, the need to assume more responsibility for caring for his aging parents and hoping to spend more time with his family.
"I've been wonderfully blessed to have had this opportunity," Whitfield said. "I love the City of Buffalo. I love the residents. I love the mayor. I love this department. I was committed to staying longer, but things changed for me that necessitated my retirement at this time. A number of things personally deserve my full attention."
The decision came quickly. Whitfield informed Mayor Byron W. Brown on Thursday of his plan to retire, effective on Friday.