JANESVILLE — After nearly 29 years of service to the city, Deputy Chief John McManus will be retiring from the Janesville Fire Department.
According to social media posts from the Janesville Fire Department and Janesville Firefighters Local 580:
McManus was hired on August 12, 1996, and served this department with distinction through the ranks, including Firefighter/Paramedic, Driver/Operator, Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Chief of Support Services, and Deputy Chief of Operations. Along the way, he contributed to countless teams and committees that strengthened our organization, including Dive and Swiftwater, Technical Rescue, HazMat, communications leader and technician, station planning, and the Explorer Post.
His service has been recognized with numerous honors, including Paramedic of the Year, Firefighter of the Year, and the City of Janesville’s Mighty Oak Award. Beyond the JFD, his work with Wisconsin Task Force 1 and as the President of the Rock County Fire Officers brought valuable experience, capability, and leadership back to our department and our community.
Most importantly, Deputy Chief McManus has been a steady professional, a trusted leader, and someone others could rely on when it mattered. That legacy will remain long after his last day.
On behalf of the Janesville Fire Department, we want to thank him for his service and wish him and his family all the best in retirement.