AUGUSTA COUNTY, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Augusta County Fire-Rescue announced on their social media page that Deputy Fire Chief Bryan Mace will be retiring after 30 years of service.

Augusta County Fire-Rescue invites community members to join in celebrating Mace’s career on Friday, February 13, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM in the Upstairs Kitchen located at Augusta County Government Center, 18 Government Center Lane, Verona, VA.

Mace stated in the post:

“During my tenure, I’ve seen this department grow, adapt, and overcome challenges none of us could have predicted. I’ve worked alongside some of the most dedicated, selfless professionals anyone could ask for. The lessons learned on the fireground, in the station, and through leadership have stayed with me far beyond any single incident.

Serving as Deputy Fire Chief has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Leadership in this profession isn’t about rank, it’s about trust, accountability, and taking care of our people so they can take care of the community. Any success I’ve had belongs just as much to the firefighters, officers, and staff who show up every day ready to do the job right.

This career tested me, shaped me, and humbled me. It taught me that leadership means service, that trust is built in hard moments, and success is always a team effort. I’m grateful for every call, every challenge, and every shared victory.

I’m grateful for the support of my family, who sacrificed time, holidays, and peace of mind so I could serve. I’m equally grateful to the mentors who guided me early on and the younger members who continue to challenge me to lead better.

To my fellow firefighters and officers: thank you for your commitment, professionalism, and brotherhood/sisterhood.

After thirty years of serving the citizens and visitors of Augusta County, today I close one chapter and open another.

I retire proud of what we’ve accomplished, confident in the future of this department, and thankful beyond words for the privilege of serving this community for three decades.

Stay safe, take care of yourselves, each other, and never forget why we do this!”

For more information, visit Fire-Rescue | Augusta County, VA.