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DAYTON — Fire Chief Larry Collins plans to retire Aug. 1, after 30 years with the department.

Hired by the city as a firefighter in 1978, Collins rose through the ranks to become chief, a position he has held 10 years. He earns $113,110 a year.

"We were surprised to hear about the chief's retirement," said Jeff Lykins, public information officer for Dayton Firefighters Local 136.

Collins' long and distinguished career included a brush with death.

On the morning of March 20, 1986, as firefighters fought a blaze at 251 N. Main St., three of the crew became trapped in the attic of a century-old structure after a portion of the slate roof collapsed.

Choked by smoke and surrounded by fire, then-Lt. Larry Collins, Lt. Steve Musselman and firefighter Tim Harker were pinned down for nearly 30 minutes before rescuers freed them.

"I'm lying there, making my peace with God and waiting to die, when all of a sudden the head of an ax comes crashing through the debris a few inches from my face," Collins said in a 1986 interview.

Musselman and Harker were treated for smoke inhalation and bruises. Collins, who suffered third-degree burns to his left shoulder, remained in a hospital 17 days.

"Larry Collins has given his entire career to the city. That should count for something," Dayton City Manager Rashad Young said.

Collins has led the department through trying economic times for the city, Young said.

Between 2001 and 2007, the city reduced staff, including 46 jobs in the fire department.

Fire Station No. 21 on Frederick Pike closed in 2002 followed by Station No. 9 on Salem Avenue in 2005. Lykins said the department "has taken a beating" in terms of staffing levels and number of vehicles because of the city's limited budget.

"It's not (Chief Collins') fault necessarily, but it may be his legacy," Lykins said.

The city manager said Collins was doing "what he had to do. He is committed to this city."

Dayton leaders are projecting the city's 2009 budget to be the tightest in recent years.

"The next chief is going to have to make tough decisions, how to continue to provide levels of service citizens expect and demand, given the city's financial constraints," Lykins said.

Young said he hasn't finalized how to approach selection of a new chief, but the search will likely be national.

"I have a preference and a predisposition for promoting from within. At the same time, I want the best candidate for the job," Young said.

Lykins said there are qualified candidates within the organization.

"That would offer the best fit for the city," he said.

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