THOMASTON – Fire Chief William Adams will retire May 1 after serving 32 years as a town firefighter.

In his letter requesting retirement, Adams said simply that it’s “time to enjoy life.”

Starting as a volunteer fireman in 1972, Adams of Warren worked his way through the ranks, becoming assistant chief in 1995. Four years later, he was appointed chief.

On Monday, selectmen accepted his request to retire, Town Manager Valmore Blastow Jr. said Tuesday.

They will vote April 26 on appointing Deputy Fire Chief Michael Leo as acting chief.

The $10,746 stipend position will likely be filled through the promotion process, Blastow said. Because the job is not full time, it does not go through the personnel board.

The department has about 30 firefighters.

A retirement party for Adams is being planned, Blastow said, but a date had not been determined.