After a 47-year career in city government, Nick Scoppetta has announced that he'll step down as New York City's fire commissioner at the end of the year to take up teaching. [NYDN]

Peter Dinklage is short and old. He turns 39 today. Also celebrating: Scientology-lovin' Fox News legal eagle Greta Van Susteren is 54. Style.com's Candy Pratts Price looks damn good for someone turning 59. Harlem's own Charlie Rangel is turning 78. On the local political front, fire department commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta is 76 and public advocate is Betsy Gotbaum's turning 70. Mets shortstop José Reyes is celebrating his 25. Indiana Jones cutie Shia LeBeouf turns 22. Times CEO Janet Robinson is 58. Surgeon (and friend of Oprah) Mehmet Oz turns 48.

Scoppetta was New York City's fire commissioner from 2002-2010. He was responsible for more than 16,000 firefighters, emergency medical personnel and civilians on staff at the FDNY.