After a months-long search involving 65 candidates, the San Antonio Fire Department is promoting from within to select its new fire chief. On Thursday, City Manager Erik Walsh announced Valerie Frausto as the next chief of the department. A week after Fire Chief Charles Hood resigned in January, Frausto was named the interim deputy fire chief, while Christopher Monestier took the position of interim fire chief. Frausto steps in as the new fire chief a week from today, after City Council confirms her appointment at its meeting next Thursday.
“I have the outmost confidence in Chief Frausto’s ability to lead the San Antonio Fire Department in its mission to protect the lives and property of our community,” said Erik Walsh. “Her diverse experience has given her a deep understanding of the department, and her commitment to prioritizing the health, wellness, and safety of our firefighters has been instrumental in attracting and retaining top talent to SAFD. Her vision of department built on a culture of diversity, inclusion, and transparency make her the ideal choice to lead the fire department into the future.”
Chief Frausto is a native San Antonian who joined the San Antonio Fire Department in August 2000 and has steadily moved through the ranks during her 24-year career, from frontline firefighting to administrative leadership.
“It is an honor to serve this community,” Chief Frausto said. “This opportunity represents not only a significant milestone in my career but also a commitment to the safety and well-being of both residents and firefighters. Public safety is a team effort, and I look forward to working alongside our brave firefighters, dedicated staff, and community leaders.”