Summary

Two experienced fire service officers have been appointed to senior posts covering Crete and the Aegean. Xenofon Tsilimigkakis becomes regional director of fire services for Crete, while Michalis Seliniotakis takes up the role of operations coordinator for the North and South Aegean and Crete. The appointments coincide with the retirement of Yorgos Markoylakis, who served most recently as deputy chief of the Greek Fire Service.

New leadership for Crete's fire service

Two senior officers of the Greek Fire Service have moved into leadership positions with direct relevance to fire safety across Crete and the broader Aegean region.

The appointments

Xenofon Tsilimigkakis, holding the rank of Archipyraarchos (senior fire commander), has been appointed regional director of fire services for Crete. He now heads the island's fire authority and oversees all operational fire units across Crete.

Michalis Seliniotakis, at the rank of brigadier general, has been appointed operations coordinator for the North Aegean, South Aegean, and Crete — a role that directs cross-regional emergency response across a large and geographically complex area.

A career brought to a close

The appointments come as Yorgos Markoylakis retires from the fire service. He had served as deputy chief of the Greek Fire Service — a post he was promoted to in January 2025 — following a long career in the corps.

Context

The filling of these posts is significant for Crete, which faces severe wildfire risk each summer. The regional directorate coordinates the deployment of firefighting resources across the island. Both incoming officers bring long operational experience to roles that demand rapid decision-making under pressure.

This report is based on a press release issued by the municipality of Apokoronas.

Press Release – "The honour of service does not retire – Congratulations to worthy officers of the Fire Corps, from the Mayor of Apokoronas, Charalampos Koukianakis"

January 14, 2026, 8:42 AM

Dear Giorgos Markoylakis,

On January 16, 2025, I publicly expressed my warm gratitude and sincere congratulations on your promotion to the position of Deputy Chief of the Fire Service, with the deep conviction that you would successfully rise to the level of responsibility entrusted to you.

Today I can say with pride that I was proven right. The fullness of time has come.

Your retirement is not a departure, but the vindication of a long, honourable and meaningful journey of service. You served with a sense of duty, with selflessness and with deep love for people, the homeland and society.

Now retired, but not a veteran of the past.

Your legacy in the Fire Corps and in the public life of our country remains alive and strong. I wish you health, peace and the joy that people deserve who have given much without asking for anything more than their duty.

At the same time, I express my great joy and warm congratulations to the promoted officers:

Archipyraarchos Xenofon Tsilimigkakis, who takes on duties as Regional Director of Fire Services of Crete, and Brigadier General Michalis Seliniotakis, who has been appointed Coordinator of Operations for the North–South Aegean and Crete.

The assumption of such critical and demanding roles by worthy officers is a guarantee of safety for our region and proof that the Fire Corps has people with knowledge, experience and inner strength.

I wish them strength, clear thinking and success in their difficult work.

Crete, the Aegean and the entire homeland need leaderships that inspire confidence and determination.

As Mayor of Apokoronas, I express the deep respect and gratitude of our local community to all those who serve safety and life with selflessness.