DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) — Geneva city officials announced Thursday that the city’s fire chief will retire this summer.

Geneva Fire Chief Mike Antenore announced his retirement this week after leading the department for 10 years;

his last day on the job will be August 14, 2026.

“Geneva is grateful to Chief Antenore for his tenure as Fire Chief and decades-long service as a firefighter,” Mayor Kevin Burns said. “His leadership, passion and selfless contributions are immeasurable, and his legacy is defined by cultivating a fire department rooted in compassion and commitment to public service.”

(Photo: Geneva Fire Chief Mike Antenore. Courtesy of City of Geneva.)

Antenore has worked with Geneva Fire Department for the past 30 years, when he began his career as paid-on-call firefighter in 1996. He also served as a part-time engineer and lieutenant before he was appointed Fire Chief in 2016.

“I am both honored and humbled to have had the opportunity to serve the Geneva community for the past 30 years,” Chief Antenore said. “It has truly been a once-in-a-lifetime privilege to work alongside the men and women of the Geneva Fire Department. The members are dedicated professionals and are committed to serving our residents, businesses and visitors.”

The Geneva City Council has appointed Deputy Chief Matt Lohse as the city’s next fire chief. He will start in the new position this summer.

Lohse began his career as a firefighter in 1999. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2015 and to deputy chief in 2023.

“Having served this department and community for more than two decades, I understand both the responsibility and privilege that come with this role,” Lohse said. “It is truly an honor to continue leading the men and women of our organization.”

(Photo:  Deputy Chief Matt Lohse. Courtesy of City of Geneva.)

“It is truly an honor to continue leading the men and women of our organization.”

The city showed their gratitude to the officials, saying in a social media post: “Thank you both for your many years of dedicated service to the Geneva community!”

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