Stonington — While it’s often difficult to define one’s career by a single incident, the morning of July 3, 2003, may have done that for borough Fire Chief Jeff Hoadley.  

That was the day he was at work in Pawcatuck when the call went out that the massive Monsanto mill complex on Water Street had caught fire during renovation. Flames were shooting into the sky and thick, black smoke poured out over the harbor.

It was the fire that Hoadley had feared for years. It was also one he had planned for, holding drills with the town’s other fire departments as they rehearsed how they would fight the fire, protect the tightly packed homes just across the street and evacuate residents.

It was that planning and the fact the breeze was out of the northeast that day instead of the prevailing northwesterly direction that saved the southern end of the village from destruction.

So it’s little surprise that each year for the past quarter century, borough firefighters have re-elected Hoadley as their chief.

That won’t happen later this year, however, as Hoadley told his firefighters last week that he will not seek re-election in September.

“Twenty-five years is long enough. It's time for someone new to come in and take over,” he said about his decision. “Change is good.”

The 60-year-old Hoadley, who will celebrate his 42nd year with the department in April, said the time has been very rewarding.

“It just comes down to helping people. Doing a good job and helping your fellow neighbors is what it’s all about,” he said about his long service.

Hoadley presided over the department as it constructed a new station, streamlined its operations from three companies to one and acquired new trucks and equipment.

Hoadley pointed to that July day in 2003 as the most challenging of his career. But he commended firefighters from the town’s six departments and those from surrounding towns as saving the southern end of the borough.

“And we were fortunate to have Mother Nature on our side that day,” he added. “It’s something all of us will never forget.”

Hoadley, who is paid a little more than $24,000 a year for the part time position, said he made the announcement now so there is time for his replacement to come forward and be selected.

Borough Warden Jeff Callahan said the fact Hoadley has been reelected annually for the past 25 years is a testament to his leadership and the respect firefighters have for him.

Callahan said the Board of Warden and Burgesses will meet next week to adopt a plan for hiring a new chief. The board will also discuss upgrading the chief’s position to full time.

Callahan said his proposal will be for the board to form a search committee that will then recommend a candidate that the firefighters and the board can agree upon. He said Hoadley will be a member of the search committee and will help with the transition.

“I’m not sure we’ll find another Jeff Hoadley, but the goal is to get a strong, qualified leader for the department,” he said.

Stepping down as chief doesn’t mean Hoadley is leaving the department. He said he will still respond to fires, car accidents and other incidents as a member of the department.

“I’ll enjoy being told to do something for once,” he joked.

j.wojtas@theday.com

Twitter: @joewojtas