WASHINGTON (AP) — Embattled D.C. Fire Chief Kenneth Ellerbe says he will step down in July after three years marked by complaints of poor service in the department.

Ellerbe announced his departure Thursday. In interviews, he says he is not being forced out but that it became clear he would not be able to stay in his job through year’s end. He will leave July 2.

In a statement, Ellerbe says he’s modernized the department and has no regrets.

The city’s firefighters union has called for Ellerbe’s ouster for months, along with D.C. Councilmember Tommy Wells.

The fire department has faced criticism for delays in patient care and the death of an elderly man after firefighters ignored calls for help from bystanders.

The interim fire chief will be Assistant Chief Eugene Jones.

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