The City of Kewaunee has named Captain Joe Nemecek as its new fire chief.

The announcement came the day before Greg Hlinak was set to retire from the department after 44 years with the city. Nemecek has been with the Kewaunee Fire Department since 2008. During that time, Nemecek has served as a firefighter, training officer, and Captain.

The Kewaunee Fire Department will still have to fill another void with Assistant Fire Chief Paul Nimmer also retiring after 33 years on the job.