After 26 years of public safety service, the last eight as chief of the Seaside Fire Department, Jerry Wombacher plans to hang up his hard hat Dec. 26.

"Chief Wombacher has guided the Seaside Fire Department through an intense period of reorganization and modernization to prepare for the growth, development and increasing population of the city," states a city press release. The chief has helped forge partnerships with neighboring fire departments, launch fire prevention and public education programs, and acquire grants from other government agencies. Under his leadership, the city developed service contracts with the county health department and the city of Del Rey Oaks.

The fire department has also seen its share of drama. Faced with an outside consultant's recommendation to cut firefighters, the Seaside Firefighters Association in October alleged mismanagement at City Hall.

Wombacher has agreed to stay on as Interim Chief as the city explores the formation of a Peninsula-wide fire service.