Valerie Frausto named new San Antonio Fire Department Chief, starts new job November 1

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) — A months-long search for a new Fire Chief is over, and a San Antonio native got the job.

City Manager Erik Walsh has announced Valerie Frausto has been promoted to lead the city’s fire department.

Frausto was named interim deputy chief earlier this year when long time Chief Charles Hood stepped down in January.

65 candidates applied during the nationwide search and in the end, Frausto was selected.

Frausto is no stranger to the fire department.

She came on as a firefighter 24 years ago, working her way through the ranks as a fire engineer/paramedic, then working in the EMS Division before going on to lieutenant in the firefighting division before advancing to captain and battalion chief.

Frausto has also served as the city’s fire marshal.

The next step is for city council to confirm her appointment which will take place Thursday, October 31.

Frausto will take over as Fire Chief November 1.

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