Lompoc has a new fire chief, and it's someone the department already knows well.
The City of Lompoc appointed Kevin Shay as chief of the Lompoc City Fire Department. Shay officially steps into the permanent role August 8, after serving as interim chief since March 26.
Shay is no stranger to the department. He has spent 18 of his 20-plus years in the fire service in Lompoc, working his way up through operational, training, EMS, and administrative roles. He also teaches part-time at the Allan Hancock College Regional Fire Academy, helping train the next generation of firefighters across the region.
During his time as interim chief, Shay guided the department through a period of organizational change while keeping the focus on emergency response and long-term improvements.
With the permanent title, the city says his priorities include building and keeping a well-trained workforce, tackling recruitment and retention challenges, replacing aging equipment and facilities, and strengthening ties with neighboring agencies.
