In a surprising move unprecedented in Salisbury’s governmental history, the city’s Fire Chief is stepping down to take the post of Deputy City Administrator.

John Tull will join City Administrator Andy Kitzrow as leaders of the city government’s administrative arm.

Kitzrow is himself the city’s former Deputy Administrator; he was appointed to the top post last winter when Julia Glanz departed for a job in state government.

Tull will retire from the Fire Department effective Thursday, Nov. 30.

“I am humbled by this opportunity to serve as the next Deputy City Administrator and it was an honor to have received the support of the City Administration and the City Council,” Tull said.

“I am excited to start this new chapter, working with the tremendous men and women of this city and look forward to the new opportunities that come with this appointment.”

Tull has been with the Salisbury Fire Department for 30 years, including 19 years as a senior manager in the department and the last five as chief.

A search will begin immediately for a new chief to lead the Salisbury department.

Tull is a graduate of Wicomico High School, earned an associate’s in Applied Science in Emergency Medical Services from Wor-Wic Community College and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Columbia Southern University with a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science. 

He began his career in 1994 as a firefighter and paramedic. In 2002, he became an Engine Lieutenant, while he also began working as an Emergency Services Instructor for the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute.

Over the next two years, he was Training Captain and Engine Captain, before being promoted to Assistant Fire Chief in 2004. He was named Fire Chief in May 2013.

As the Fire Chief, he provided strategic planning, organization, and direction of activities and personnel. He was responsible for developing long-and short-range plans, goals and objectives for the department, and assessing progress and performance in achieving established goals. 

He prepared and administered the annual Fire Department budget, authorized expenditures according to department guidelines, and ensured compliance with established fiscal policies of the city.

He communicated with city officials, community leaders and outside agencies to resolve problems, coordinate activities, exchange information, and respond to questions and resolve complaints regarding department operations and services.