Langlinais named temporary chief of Abbeville Fire Department following Mire’s retirement

Here is a statement written by Abbeville Mayor Roslyn White on who will be the temporary fire chief of Abbeville.
“The City of Abbeville announces the retirement of fire chief Jude Mire and the appointment of Doris Langlinais, Jr. as temporary fire chief, effective December 18, 2025.
Chief Langlinais will lead the department during the transition period while the city proceeds with the Civil Service testing and selection process for a permanent Fire Chief.
Chief Mire retires after 36 years of dedicated service to the Abbeville Fire Department and the community. We are grateful for his leadership and wish him the very best in his retirement.
Like many small communities, Abbeville faces unique challenges in continuing to provide reliable and high-quality fire protection services. These challenges include rising equipment and training costs, staffing and recruitment pressures, evolving emergency response demands, and the need to balance fiscal responsibility with public safety expectations. Addressing these realities requires careful planning, strong leadership, and a long-term vision for the department.
In a community our size, every decision matters. To continue providing reliable and professional fire services, we must be intentional about how we plan for the future. This transition period gives us the opportunity to ensure stability today while preparing the department to meet tomorrow’s challenges.
To ensure continuity of leadership and operations, the city has appointed Doris Langlinais, Jr. as Temporary Fire Chief. Chief Langlinais has 28 years of experience with the Abbeville Fire Department and is well respected for his leadership, operational knowledge, and commitment to public service. He has a strong understanding of both the department’s traditions and its future needs.
Chief Langlinais is well prepared to lead during this transition. He understands the importance of maintaining dependable emergency response today while continuing to invest in training, equipment readiness, and personnel development for the future.
The city reaffirms our commitment to moving the Abbeville Fire Department into the future while preserving the traditions, professionalism, and excellence that residents have come to expect. Emergency response operations will continue without interruption, and public safety remains a top priority.
Additional information regarding the Civil Service testing timeline and permanent appointment process will be shared as it becomes available.”