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Fimbres, 72, a Democrat, is a lifelong resident of the south-side Ward 5 he has represented since 2009, when he was first elected.

At the beginning of this year, he announced he would not run for re-election this November.

In late January, Fimbres told the Star's Tim Steller that health problems and his age made him want to retire from duty.

“Serving as the Ward 5 Councilman and representing the Ward 5 constituents since 2009 has been an honor and privilege. However, my personal health issues now compel me to step aside from my duties as a public servant," Fimbres now says in a letter to Mayor Regina Romero and the city clerk, according to the city. "I had hoped to complete my current term of office, but I need to turn my full attention to my family and my health."

Fimbres has been attending City Council meetings remotely since the pandemic began, and his impending resignation will set in motion an appointment process to select a replacement, as occurred when former councilmember Steve Kozachik resigned in April last year.

Romero said she "is grateful for his service" while wishing Fimbres the best of luck "as he retires to focus on his health and family after a long career in public service."

"It has been my honor to work with Richard Fimbres on issues that matter to ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ans ... He founded the Homeless Work Program, an innovative public/private partnership that has helped hundreds of our unsheltered neighbors," Romero said in a written statement. "He worked to create the Buffalo Soldier’s Memorial to recognize the contributions of African American Soldiers in Southern ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥. Richard focused on veterans' issues and always worked to protect workers and the most vulnerable in our community. Our collaboration with neighbors on the Santa Rita Park Master Plan is an excellent example of his positive impact to reinvest in Ward 5 neighborhoods."

Fimbres, a Vietnam-era Army veteran, served as a military policeman, patrol and narcotics dog handler, according to his . He served 32 years with the Pima County Sheriff's Department. In 2002, he was appointed director of the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Governor's Office of Highway Safety. In 2021, he was inducted into the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ Veterans Hall of Fame.

In 1997, he was appointed to the Pima County Community College governing board, going on to be re-elected in 1998 and 2004. Five years later, Fimbres was inducted into the Pima Community College Hall of Fame.

Ward 2 Councilmember Paul Cunningham said in a statement that Fimbres' "public service record is distinguished," and his work with the Governor's Office and on the PCC governing board demonstrated "a commitment to making ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ better."

"His work on the city council for the homeless work program, the P-card and advocacy of the Cherrybell post office are stalwart examples of what public service is all about. I am honored to have served with him and proud to call him a friend," Cunningham wrote.

City Manager Tim Thomure said Fimbres' work "leaves a lasting legacy in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥."

"He worked tirelessly to facilitate, as he accurately called it many times at the council table, a 'Ward 5 Renaissance,'" Thomure said. "The Bridges (development) is a prime example of this ‘renaissance’ as it brought much needed economic opportunity and service amenities to ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥â€™s south side residents."