by Steve Wiandt

Reporter

Cuyahoga Falls -- Less than a week after being placed on paid administrative leave, the Cuyahoga Falls Fire Chief announced his retirement.

Chief Mark Snyder was placed on paid administrative leave effective 3 p.m. March 31, Mayor Don Robart said. Robart declined to give a reason for the leave. Snyder submitted a letter of retirement April 3 to Robart. His retirement is effective as of the end of business April 25, according to the letter.

"It's been a great challenge and a wonderful experience," Snyder told the Falls News-Press April 3. "I'm ready to move on in a different direction and enjoy my retirement."

Robart said he appointed Assistant Chief Paul Moledor acting chief until a permanent chief is named. The mayor said he expects Moledor, who joined the department in 1983 and has been the assistant chief since 2001, will get that nod.

"The department would be in good hands," Robart added. "... I see no reason why [Moledor] wouldn't be named chief." Robart said the appointment of a new chief will be up to him.

A one-sentence memo from the mayor to Snyder said, "You are hereby placed on administrative leave until further notice."

Robart declined to say why Snyder was placed on administrative leave, as did City Law Director Virgil Arrington. The Cuyahoga Falls News-Press examined Snyder's personnel file and found no reference to a reason.

On April 3 after receiving Snyder's retirement letter, Robart said Snyder will be on sick leave until April 25. He added Snyder became ill March 28 and left before his shift was complete.

Snyder was a "good chief," Robart said. "He led us into transporting where the city realizes $1 million a year in fees. He was a trailblazer for [the construction of] Station 5, reducing our response time from 3 minutes 40 seconds to 3 minutes.

"He's been a tremendous asset in the 26 years he was on the fire department. I wish him only the best."

Snyder, 52, has been fire chief since June 1, 1998. His annual salary is $98,025.20.

Asked if he wants to be chief, Moledor said "We're all prepared to do what needs to be done to protect the city."

Snyder joined the fire department in 1982. Five years later he made lieutenant. He was promoted to captain in 1991, following the retirement of William Kalbaugh. Snyder became assistant chief in 1994.