Fort Liard (June 13/03) - Mayor, firefighter and school teacher Lenny Hill is leaving Fort Liard.

Hill, his wife Lorna -- who is also a teacher and a hamlet councillor -- and their two daughters are moving to Hay River.

He is resigning as mayor effective June 20, six months into his two-year term. He was acclaimed to the position last December. He said Tuesday that he did not expect to be leaving before his term expired.

"I had planned to finish out the two years of the term, that's for sure," he said. "We just applied for a transfer and basically we were fortunate enough to get interviewed by different schools and be offered a position."

The family didn't take the decision to move lightly, he added.

"We're betwixt and between. You're in a community for so many years it becomes part of your life," Hill said. "My wife and I have appreciated living in Liard. The community has been great. It was a tough decision."

Since taking office in January, he said he feels he and the hamlet council have dealt effectively with concerns raised by community members.

In addition, they recognized the community's volunteers, he said.

Hill was actually one of the Fort Liard volunteers, having spent eight years with the fire department. Although the fire brigade has experienced a shortage of helping hands at times, Hill said he's happy to see that a few young Fort Liard residents have recently enlisted.

"They're really interested and keen. It's really great to see," he said.

According to Hill, deputy mayor Dianne Gonet will take over as interim mayor in his absence.