After 39 years on the job, Toronto Fire Chief Bill Stewart has announced plans to retire.

His last day will be April 30.

"It's been a phenomenal career in the City of Toronto over the last almost 40 years," Steward told CityNews on Tuesday.

"We've got a great fire service in Toronto.  Walking away from the service I'll miss the people, but certainly it is time for me to retire and look at my options with my family...and enjoy the next chapter of my life.”

Stewart has been Toronto Fire Chief since May 2003.

"I'll miss the job. There's no question," he said.

Stewart served in the former City of North York for 26 years before amalgamation in 1998.

Before his appointment at the helm of Toronto Fire Services, he had served as an operations firefighter, captain, administration chief, assistant deputy and deputy chief.