The City of Abbeville is announcing a leadership transition within the Abbeville Fire Department as Fire Chief Jude Mire retires after 36 years of dedicated service to our community. Chief Mire’s career has been defined by his commitment to protecting lives, serving residents, and upholding the proud traditions of the department.

For more than three decades, Chief Mire worked alongside fellow firefighters to ensure Abbeville families could rely on a strong and professional emergency response system. The City extends its sincere gratitude to Chief Mire for his leadership, service, and lasting impact on the community, and we wish him the very best in his well-earned retirement.

To ensure continuity and stability during this transition, the City has appointed Doris Langlinais, Jr. as Temporary Fire Chief, effective December 18, 2025. Chief Langlinais brings 28 years of experience with the Abbeville Fire Department and is a familiar, trusted presence within both the department and the community.

As Temporary Fire Chief, Langlinais will oversee day-to-day operations while the City proceeds with the Civil Service testing and selection process for a permanent Fire Chief. His focus will remain on maintaining dependable emergency response, supporting firefighters, and continuing investments in training and equipment readiness.

Like many small communities, Abbeville faces evolving challenges in providing fire protection services, including rising costs, staffing needs, and changing emergency response demands. This transition period provides an opportunity to thoughtfully plan for the future while ensuring residents continue to receive the level of service they expect and deserve.

Emergency response services will continue without interruption, and public safety remains a top priority for the City of Abbeville. Updates regarding the permanent Fire Chief selection process will be shared with the community as information becomes available.

🔗Read the full press release here.