ATHENS-The City of Athens said good-bye today, Friday, July 31, to Athens Fire and Rescue Chief Tony Kirk, who retired after 29 years with the department.
Kirk has served as chief since June 2012. Prior to his appointment as chief, Kirk served the
Tony Kirk
department as the fire marshal.
City officials held a retirement reception for Kirk at the City Council
Chambers. Mayor Ronnie Marks gave Kirk a key to the city, and the department gifted Kirk with a helmet painted with scenes from his career, such as the Butler building and Hendricks Corner fires.
The Athens City Council, by state law, has the authority to appoint the fire chief position. In the meantime, fire staff will answer to Assistant Fire Chief Bryan Thornton, who reports to Mayor Marks.
