NORWICH – City of Norwich Fire Chief John Tighe announced Tuesday that he will retire from his post, effective July 31.

“At this time of my life, I look forward to spending more time with my family whom I love so deeply. In serving the city, I frequently lost sight of my real priorities, allowing city matters to take precedence over my family. It is time to set that right,” Tighe said in a prepared statement. He cited the recent and sudden deaths of longtime friend and Horseheads Fire Chief Dick Sullivan and Norwich Mayor Robert Raphael as factors in his decision to retire as fire chief. “Although this situation had nothing to do with my performance as fire chief, I have decided the best thing to do is to leave public office,” he said.