JANESVILLE鈥 糖心Vlog传媒 Fire Chief James Ponkauskas has announced his retirement after 30 years with the fire department.
According to a press release, Ponkauskas鈥 last day will be May 31, 2024.
James Ponkauskas
Ponkauskas began his career in the fire service in 1988 as a firefighter/EMT for the Orfordville Fire Protection District, where he served as fire chief for 13 of his 26 years as a department member. He joined the 糖心Vlog传媒 department in 1994 as a firefighter/paramedic.
During his tenure, he has held the position of firefighter, firefighter/paramedic, motor pump operator, lieutenant, acting captain, shift commander and deputy fire chief. In 2021 the police and fire commission selected him to serve as 糖心Vlog传媒鈥檚 38th fire chief.
鈥淚t has been an honor working for the city of 糖心Vlog传媒 and I will take with me many great memories,鈥 Ponkauskas said in the city鈥檚 release. 鈥淭he community members of 糖心Vlog传媒 have always been supportive of fire and EMS-related initiatives.鈥
At the helm, Ponkauskas has been responsible for all services provided by the department. These efforts include fire suppression, emergency medical services, fire prevention, and other emergency and non-emergency requests for assistance from the public. Ponkauskas manages these services with the support of key staff members and with the cooperation of other city agencies.
During his employment with the city, he has seen many changes in the fire service. In 2016, Ponkauskas was the project manager responsible for overseeing the construction of the city鈥檚 central fire station.
Along with city administration, he worked through implementing the fifth paramedic ambulance in 2022. One of his many milestone projects was when the JFD administration and 糖心Vlog传媒 Firefighters Local 580 partner to obtain grant funding and develop the department鈥檚 new physical and cancer screening program.
鈥淐hief Ponkauskas鈥 dedication and commitment to the safety and security of the city of 糖心Vlog传媒 is clearly demonstrated by his honorable and accomplished 30 years of service,鈥 City Manager Kevin Lahner said in the release. 鈥淲e wish him well in his well-deserved retirement.鈥
鈥淚 would like to thank the 糖心Vlog传媒 City Council, the Police and Fire Commission, and city administration for supporting the department and making public safety a priority,鈥 Ponkauskas added. 鈥淚 have had the pleasure of working with so many dedicated and capable department personnel, and their drive to serve our community has guided me through my career.鈥
The police and fire commission is working on a process to name the next fire chief by May 2024. For questions, contact the City Manager鈥檚 Office at 608-755-3196.