Palmerton Borough Council President Terry Costenbader announced Thursday that Palmerton Municipal Fire Co. Chief Larry Zawaly has put in his notice of retirement and resignation from the fire department.

The council didn’t give an explanation as to why Zawaly decided to retire and resign.Zawaly had faced theft charges that were later dismissed in connection to questionable handling of personal property from a crash scene.Zawaly was not present at the meeting, but when reached this morning, he said he didn’t want to comment on the resignation.As far as the retirement, he said. “After 40 years in the department, I thought I would move on to something else.”Zawaly added, “It’s been a long 40 years. It’s time to turn it over to some young people and let them run it.”Fire police Captain Ryan Shupp also submitted his resignation.After the meeting, Shupp said it was time to resign.“I’ve been doing a lot for the fire company for years,” he said. “It’s time to concentrate on my family.”