Schenectady Fire Chief Don Mareno has announced he’s retiring next month.

Mareno has been with the Schenectady Fire Department for decades, and has served as chief since 2022.

The chief told NewsChannel 13 this was a very hard decision to make and it comes with “waterfalls of emotions.”

Working at the fire department has been more than a job for him, he said. It’s a way of life, and who he is, he explained.

The department is filled with qualified people who will maintain its tradition of excellence, Mareno said.

Retiring will give him more opportunities to spend time with his family, he said.

Chief Mareno’s last day is Tuesday, Jan. 7.