Topeka, KS (WIBW) - Topeka Fire Chief, Howard Giles, announced his resignation Monday in an email to all department personnel. The e-mail appears below.

-----Original Message-----
From: Howard H Giles
To: _Fire Dept -- 84000
Sent: Mon Jul 06 13:50:04 2009
Subject: Announcement

To All Department Personnel:

After careful consideration, I have decided to resign as Fire Chief effective September 4, 2009 for personal and family reasons. For almost five years, I have enjoyed working with the people in our department, City government, and the community as a whole. I wish the very best for each of you.

Reaction has been pouring in since Chief Giles' announcement Monday afternoon. City Manager Norton Bonaparte released this statement:

“Chief Giles has raised the professionalism of the department’s management during his tenure here in Topeka. I appreciate his efforts and wish him well in his future endeavors.”

“Soon I will initiate a search for a new fire chief. I will be looking for someone who has demonstrated strong leadership and technical skills, one who has a vision, and the ability to transform that vision into a strong, cohesive department."

“My plan is to do an internal search to fill the position of chief of the Topeka Fire Department. However, I do not rule out an external search for fire chief candidates to find someone who meets my expectations." said City Manager Norton Bonaparte.

The Office of the International Association of Firefighters, Local 83 released this statement:

From the Office of the International Association of Firefighters, Local 83

With the departure of Howard Giles from the Topeka Fire Department, the International Association of Firefighters, Local 83, looks forward to addressing the challenges ahead in the spirit of cooperation and partnership with the City of Topeka.

.