After more than 31 years serving the city and helping train firefighters across New York, Auburn Fire Department Captain Mike Deyneka has completed his final shift and retired from the department.
Deyneka’s retirement closes a career that began on Sept. 9, 1994, and spanned nearly every level of the profession, from frontline firefighting and leadership to statewide fire service education. The Auburn Fire Department recognized his service this week, highlighting both his local impact and his role in shaping generations of firefighters throughout New York.
Just days before his retirement, Deyneka received the 2026 Chief Fred W. Singer Fire Educator of the Year Award from the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, recognizing his contributions as an instructor and mentor.
Deyneka was promoted to lieutenant in 2006 and assigned to C Platoon Engine Company 4 before transferring to B Platoon Engine Company 3 in 2010. He earned promotion to captain in 2011 and served with A Platoon Engine Company 4 before moving to C Platoon Engine Company 3 in 2014, where he remained for the rest of his career.
While his service to Auburn residents defined much of his career, Deyneka also became a familiar figure in firefighter training programs across the state. A certified New York State fire instructor, he spent the past 20 years teaching recruit firefighters at the New York State Academy of Fire Science and provided training through outreach programs in Cayuga County and communities throughout New York.
He also worked with the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs to provide hands-on instruction and professional development for firefighters. Department officials said his influence can be seen in the thousands of firefighters who benefited from his knowledge, experience and commitment to the profession.
The Auburn Fire Department credited Deyneka with helping develop future generations of firefighters while maintaining a career marked by leadership, service and dedication to public safety. Officials said his contributions to both the department and the broader fire service will leave a lasting impact long after his final shift.
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