Butler Township fire marshall Larry Christy makes his way around during his retirement party at Butler Township Park on Thursday April 12,2018.

BUTLER TWP — Township Fire Marshal Larry Christy has retired after spending many of his nearly 40 years in the fire service in Butler Township and Butler, investigating the causes of fires.

But he has another mystery to solve.

Christy said he plans to solve it in the pontoon boat he hasn't had many chances to use until now.

“I've heard people say there are fish in Moraine,” Christy said with a chuckle.

The township held a retirement lunch in his honor Thursday in the recreation building at Butler Township Park. It was Christy's last day on the job.

Christy said he has taken a job as an independent contractor for a Pittsburgh firm that assists municipalities that have financial problems. He will help those municipalities prepare financial plans for police and fire departments.

Since he isn't an employee Christy will decide when and how often he works, leaving him plenty of time to enjoy retirement.

Christy's career began in May 1979, when he was hired as a firefighter in Butler. The first of several promotions came in 1987, when he became a driver. In 1998 he was became a lieutenant and in 2001 he was promoted to chief and fire marahsll. Christy retired from the city in 2008 and was hired by the township later that year.

“It's been a long career. I want to spend time with my wife on the boat and with the grandkids — soccer games, lacrosse, cheerleading — things we didn't get to enjoy in the past,” Christy said.

Read more about Christy, his years of service and his thoughts on the future in Sunday's Butler Eagle.