Sycamore Fire Chief Mark Kessler announced Thursday he plans to retire March 31.

According to a press release, Kessler was hired by the Sycamore Fire Department in 1985 as a firefighter. He rose through the ranks, holding the titles of lieutenant and assistant fire chief before becoming chief in 2010.

During Kessler’s time as assistant chief and chief, the department designed and constructed the city’s second fire station, redeveloped the Fire Intern Program and also revamped the “paid-on-call” firefighter program.

Kessler said in the release that it has been on honor to serve the city.

“I have been blessed to have had a great career in the community where I have lived most of my life,” Kessler said. “Although I am moving away, I will always consider Sycamore my home.”

The city has already begun the process to select Kessler’s successor and will announce a new chief in late March.