Chief Jim Stone announced earlier this week he was retiring amid a criminal investigation against him. The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is looking into allegations of Stone's improper use of an inmate.

SLED isn't releasing any details into the investigation. Stone has been on suspension for about a week.

However, Stone says he decided to retire because he felt it was the right time.

"Somebody said I've been at the fire station too long. I don't know about that, but I've certainly been there long enough and I I know I'm an old dinosaur fire chief and dinosaurs become extinct. So, I reckon the time has come for me to retire," said Stone.

He says he's worked hard over the past 50 years to lead the fire department and he hopes the city appreciates all he has done. 

"It's been my life. Ever since I was a little boy I wanted to be a fireman. I used to follow my dad to the fires and I can remember fires back in the mid 40's when I was five and six years old that I went to with him and it's been my life. I've been chasing a fire truck all my life, " said Stone. 

His father, James Casper Stone, Sr., served as the assistant fire chief for the City of Darlington for many years.

Stone's last day will be July 31.

Pat Cavanaugh is acting as interim chief.

No word on if he will be Stone's permanent replacement.