Atlantic City Councilman Chris Jimerson informed the City Council during their meeting Wednesday evening, that Fire Chief Mark McNees would be stepping down from his lead position with the AFD. McNees, who has served the City as a fireman for 29 ½ years, and the past 13-years as Chief, explained why he’s decided to switch gears and return to being a firefighter.

He says there are other things he needs to take care of in life and to work on that he has neglected because of his current duties. He began to think about stepping down a couple of years go.

Under the by-laws, an Atlantic Fire Chief is elected every two-years. The department will vote on the new Chief at their first meeting in December, and pending City Council approval, the new Chief will take over their duties on January 1, 2020.

His advice to his successor:

During his tenure as Chief, McNees also served on the Iowa Fire Fighters Association and was elected as the President during his time with the Association.

Atlantic Fire Chief Mark McNees (File photo)