JUNCTION CITY, Kan. (WIBW) -- Members of the Junction City community came out Friday to celebrate the long career of the town’s top firefighter.

Fire Chief Mike Steinfort is retiring after 24 years of service.

A ceremony for Steinfort was held at the C.L. Hoover Opera House on Friday, November 2, 2012 as community leaders and fellow firefighters recognized him for his leadership and involvement in the community.

He also received certificates of appreciation from the State Fire Marshal’s Office and Governor Sam Brownback for the more than two decades he spent serving and protecting the community.

Steinfort started his fire service career with the Junction City Fire Department in June of 1989 as a firefighter and has advanced through every position in the department .

He accepted the position of Fire Chief in September of 2008.

Under his leadership. the JCFD achieved a reclassified fire suppression rating of 4 to 3 by the Insurance Services Organization. This rating improvement reduced fire insurance costs to city businesses and residents, officials said. Additionally, his department received over an 80% satisfaction rating of fire and ambulance services in a recent citizen survey.

“Testaments to his dedication in providing quality services to the city and its residents throughout his career,” said City Manager Jerry Vernon.

“You’re only a good leader if you have good people and that’s the most important thing that we have in our department is our people. They’re the ones that are going out there every day doing the job… I’m very proud to have been the fire chief and a 24-year veteran of the Junction City Fire Department,” Steinfort said during the reception held in his honor.