Jeff Joseph and Joe Marshall of the Ironton Fire Department were promoted Tuesday morning, moves that concluded several changes in the department’s ranks since the retirement of Ironton Fire Chief Thomas Runyon earlier this year.

Recently, Mike Mahlmeister took over as the new chief, leaving his prior position of captain and inspector open.

Jeff Joseph, who previously served as a lieutenant, will take over for Mahlmeister as a captain and inspector after spending 20 years with the Ironton Fire Department.

“It’s going to be a change. I’ve been used to working 24 (hours) on and 48 (hours) off for the last 20 years,” Joseph said. “With this position, it’s a day job.”

Joe Marshall will take over for Joseph as lieutenant.

“I’ve been a firefighter with the Ironton Fire Department for just under 18 years,” Marshall said. “I’m excited.”

Mahlmeister said Joseph and Marshall showed that they could be successful in their new positions.

“We had a lot of good candidates, but these two were the ones who stood out,” Mahlmeister said. “I’ve worked on crew with both of them in their younger days and I think they’ll do a good job in their new positions.”

Mahlmeister added that he will give Joseph some training and hopes to get a city smoke detector program back on its feet after state funding for it in Lawrence County has slowed down.

“Both of them have been with the city fire department for many years and have done their job well,” Ironton Mayor Rich Blankenship said. “I know both will do outstanding in their new positions.”