Clark County fire chief to retire after 31 years with department

By Jackie Valley

Published Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010 | 1:54 p.m.

Updated Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2010 | 10:27 a.m.

After five years as the head of Nevada's largest fire department, Clark County Fire Chief Steven M. Smith announced Tuesday he is retiring.

Smith's retirement will be effective Sept. 13 after spending 31 years with the department, the county said. Before serving as chief, Smith was a battalion chief, firefighter, engineer, captain and paramedic.

Smith, who will help conduct a search for his replacement, notified staff of his retirement Tuesday morning.

"We accomplished almost all my major goals when I set out to be fire chief," Smith said. "I accomplished my vision, so I wanted to let someone else come and accomplish their vision."

Smith, a former U.S. Marine, helped battle the 1980 MGM Grand fire, which killed 87 people and injured 679, and the Las Vegas Hilton fire three months later, which killed eight people.

As fire chief, Smith helped open two new stations near the Strip and all Clark County fire engines were upgraded to "advanced life support" status.

The department has 29 full-time fire stations and 683 employees.

“Chief Smith has led the department through possibly the most challenging time in its history,” County Manager Virginia Valentine said in a statement. “His leadership and knowledge will be sorely missed.”

Looking forward, Smith said he is ready to lead a less structured life.

"I'd like to spend a few months and go 'Wow, I don't have to do anything,'" he said.

Smith said his retirement will allow him to help take care of his three children, ages 3, 5 and 12, so his wife can go back to work as a nurse. But they will still call Las Vegas home.

"I want to remain in the community and be active and supportive," he said.