Abbeville Fire Chief Jude Mire announces retirement date

Jude Mire began his career at the Abbeville Fire Department nearly 36 years ago, eventually reaching the rank of chief.
Mire has made a decision as to when that career will come to an end.
“On April 24, 2026,” Mire said, “I will be retiring.”
Mire made the announcement during Tuesday’s Abbeville City Council meeting.
“Mayor Brady Broussard hired me on Dec. 3, 1989, to work for the city of Abbeville,” Mire said. “It was one of the best days of my life.”
While not easy, Mire said making the announcement now will make the transition for the department easier. He spoke to Mayor Roslyn White in the days leading up to the meeting.
“The reason that I am giving a six-month notice,” Mire said, “and not a two-week notice, is because civil service takes a while to get someone to take my place.
“Tonight, I would like to give you all that notice.”
An emotional Mire received a positive response from members of a packed audience and the city council, who gave him a standing ovation.
“Thank you, chief,” said Councilman Brady Broussard Jr., the son of the man who hired Mire. “Your service to the city has been admirable. We will certainly miss you, but we know your best days are ahead.”
Mire became fire chief in January of ‘14. Among the highlights of Mire’s tenure is the continued improvement of the city’s fire rating from the Property Insurance of Louisiana. In May, the city received a 2 rating, on a scale of 1 to 10, with one being the highest. It marked the first time the city received such a high mark.
“I want to thank everybody who worked for me,” Mire said. “It’s been some great people. You have a great department, and I know it’s going to have a great leader who takes it into the future.”
Mire also offered a special show of gratitude.
“While I’m standing here, I want to thank my wife,” Mire said, fighting back the highest level of emotion of the night.
White thanked Mire.
“We met last week,” White said. “He told me he was planning to tell you all at this meeting. I told him to make sure he was sure before he announced.”
Mire reiterated that he is certain about his decision after someone asked him if he would consider changing his mind before next spring.
“My wife and I talked about it,” Mire said. “I’m not changing my mind.”