Janesville Fire Chief James Ponkauskas will retire this spring after 30 years with the agency, the city of Janesville announced Thursday.
Ponkauskas began his career in the fire service in 1988 as a firefighter and EMT for the Orfordville Fire Protection District. He then served there as fire chief of 13 years, half of his time with the department.
In 1994, he joined the Janesville Fire Department, holding the position of firefighter, firefighter/paramedic, motor pump operator, lieutenant, acting captain, shift commander and deputy fire chief.
In September 2021, he took over as the fire department's 38th chief.
Ponkauskas thanked the Janesville City Council, the Police and Fire Commission, and City Administration for supporting the department and making public safety a priority.