The Silver Valley has changed quite a bit since 1982 - mines have closed and reopened, the population has shrunk from more than 19,000 to less than 13,000, remedation became the status quo - but one constant in all that time has been District 2 Fire Chief Dale Costa.

After 30 years as chief and more than 40 years working as a firefighter in Kellogg protecting and serving the citizens of the Silver Valley, Costa has announced this is his last year and he's stepping down in September.

Costa started working as a firefighter in Kellogg in 1972, and he became chief 10 years later in 1982. He decided in November 2012 this would be his final year of the excitement that comes with being a firefighter before settling down into calmer lifestyle.

"It's just time for me to go," Costa said. "I've always heard from people I've met that when it's time to go, you just know. I know it's time."

Costa said his tenure as fire chief has been rewarding but tumultuous at times. When the Bunker Hill closed down, the Silver Valley economy plummeted, and the fire department didn't get out unscathed.

Costa said their budget took a hit after that and has never been the same.

"When I first started, we used to have the best of everything. Now, we're struggling," Costa said.

But according to Kellogg Mayor Mac Pooler, Costa has excelled in his 30 years as fire chief and did more with less throughout his tenure.

Pooler said Costa's fire department has excelled despite the cutbacks and managed to have a successful department despite losing many full-time firefighters and having a reliance on volunteers many of the years.

"He's run a good department, and he's been a great man to have," Pooler said. "He's done a great job and always worked very hard to keep District 2 going ... I've enjoyed working with Dale."

The search for the new fire chief is currently ongoing, but there hasn't been any news as to who they might select. It's a process Costa said he won't have much to do with.

And although he'll no longer be working at the fire department come September, Costa said he'll still be seen in the area.

"I'm not going anywhere," Costa said. "This is home. This is where me and my wife raised our children."

Costa said that once he's retired and has all that free time, he's not sure what all he'll do but knows where to begin.

"First, I'd like to get through the hunting season this year, then I'll figure it out," Costa said.