Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, December 17, 1994 TAG: 9412190058
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
But he's taking early retirement because he feels a higher calling - to become a full-time minister so he can better serve his congregation.
"I'm not burned out," he said. "It's just hard trying to wear two hats."
And thanks to a recent change in city policy, he can retire now and receive the same pension as if he had stayed another four years.
Quarles, 52, caught many city officials by surprise Friday when he announced that he will retire March 1.
Quarles, one of the city's first black firefighters and the first black chief, spent most of his adult life climbing through the ranks to get the top job in 1989.
He fought racial discrimination as he moved up the ladder. Quarles won a racial discrimination case against the city when he failed to get the fire marshal's job. He has worked for the city for 31 years, including five years as chief.
Some firefighters who know Quarles' tenacity were surprised that he would give up the post that he battled so hard to get.
But Quarles' love for the chief's job lost out to a deep religious faith and a feeling that it was time to change his profession.
"For over a year, I have devoted my off-work hours to my ministry," Quarles said.
He became interim pastor of the Staunton Avenue Church of God in June 1993. He was ordained earlier this year and has been the full-time pastor since May.
"My retirement from the city will allow time to tend to the needs of my congregation. In many ways, I'm just changing my focus from one flock to another," he said.
City Manager Bob Herbert said Quarles has made significant contributions to the city during three decades. "We wish him the very best as he pursues his other calling."
Quarles said he wouldn't have retired for another four years if City Council had not allowed employees to transfer from the city's old retirement plan to a new one. In some cases, this enables employees to receive higher benefits.
Quarles has been embroiled in several controversies during his years with the city.
The most recent occurred three years ago when there were allegations that he had misused state funds, rigged bids on fire trucks and accepted improper gratuities from a fire-engine company.
State police spent three months investigating the allegations, but no charges were placed.
Commonwealth's Attorney Don Caldwell said Quarles had shown poor judgment, but there was no evidence to support criminal charges.
In an interview then, Quarles said he harbored no ill feelings and did not want to rehash the investigation.
It was prompted by a group of firefighters who sent a letter to the state attorney general listing the allegations against him.
He said the controversy was not a factor in his decision to retire now.
Quarles began his career as firefighter in 1963 and became a fire inspector in 1972. He was named fire marshal and deputy chief in 1977 after the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ruled that he had been denied the job because he is black.
Quarles was appointed deputy chief for training in 1987 and became chief two years later.
The Fire Department has made several changes in recent years that have been credited to his leadership. They include:
Initiating an equipment replacement program to replace old fire trucks. This reduced the average age of fire trucks from 25 to 15 years.
Building Fire Station No. 14 on Orange Avenue in the Northeast community.
Introducing a first-responder program so firefighters in six fire houses can answer calls for medical assistance.
Beginning a physical fitness program for all firefighters.
Initiating leadership training for officers and a customer service program in the department.
Quarles has a reputation for being a chief who tried to project a professional image for himself and the Fire Department. Quarles wears the chief's uniform whenever he attends City Council meetings or other public events.
by CNB