Deputy Chief Valerie Frausto will become the new Fire Chief of the San Antonio Fire Department next Friday. She was selected from a pool of over 65 applicants, reflecting her extensive experience within the department, "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," said City Manager Erik Walsh, highlighting the reasons for her appointment in a statement obtained by the City of San Antonio.
Chief Frausto's career at SAFD spans 24 years, a trajectory that has seen her ascend through the ranks from frontline operations to leadership roles. She is a San Antonio native who commenced her firefighting journey in August 2000, and since then, has held various positions within the department, including Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief, and Division Chief. Her appointment to Chief, comes after a term as interim Deputy Fire Chief of Administrative Services—a role in which she oversaw vast departmental functions, "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," Chief Frausto told the City of San Antonio.
Frausto's contributions include improvements in dispatch operations, a collaborative venture with the Austin Fire Department and Bexar-Metro 911 for enhanced dispatch redundancy, and the influential Hero Like Her campaign aimed at encouraging women to break into the firefighting profession. Notably, her partnership with Morgan’s Multi-Assistance Center to produce fire safety education materials for those with special needs showcases her commitment to community-oriented service.
Chief Frausto’s legacy of positive change and innovation within the department was a driving force in her selection, with City Manager Erik Walsh stating, "I am confident that Valerie will enhance the professional development, mentorship, and succession programs within the Department to continue to cultivate top talent in the department." The process of selecting the new Chief was comprehensive, involving panels of city executives, Fire Department employees, and community stakeholders who provided feedback to the City Manager, after multiple interview rounds. The City Council will confirm Frausto's appointment next Thursday, as reported by the City of San Antonio.
Walsh expressed gratitude for the input from various contributors to the selection process and acknowledged the interim leadership of Chief Chris Monestier, who will return to his previous role overseeing Administrative Services once Frausto assumes the Chief position.
