A dedicated public servant, Gene Gallo, sets his retirement

After 55 years of serving the city of Bradenton in one capacity or another, Gene Gallo announced this week he'll step down from public service when his term as Ward 1's city councilman ends on Dec. 31, 2016.

His commendable dedication to the city began in 1960 as a firefighter. His leadership skills earned him a promotion to fire chief, where he served for 11 years before his election to the City Council in 1991.

By the end of next year, Gallo will have had 56 years of public service. That merits kudos.

"I have decided it is time for me to step back and enjoy all that life has to offer me and my beautiful family," Gallo told Herald reporter Mark Young.

He'll depart public office with another thought, one about achievement: "I'll miss serving the people. When people call me with problems, I've been able to resolve their concerns 99 percent of the time to their satisfaction. That's been great."

Thanks, Gene. We look forward to one more year of service. Especially your candor from the dais.

This story was originally published November 14, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "A dedicated public servant, Gene Gallo, sets his retirement ."