HILO >> Hawaii County’s civil defense administrator has retired.

The mayor’s office says Quince Mento announced his retirement effective Thursday. Administrative Officer John Drummond will serve as interim administrator.

The 53-year-old Mento has been in charge of keeping Big Island residents safe from natural and man-made disasters for three-and-a-half years. 

He worked his way up through the ranks of the Honolulu and Hawaii County fire departments from firefighter to assistant chief. He says more than 29 years in public safety has taken a toll on him.

Mayor Billy Kenoi says a new administrator will be in place by mid-January.