A familiar face will serve as the Lompoc Fire Department’s next chief.

Kevin Shay, who has served as interim fire chief, has been appointed to the job permanently, City Manager Dean Albro announced Friday. 

“His extensive firefighting experience and years of service to the Lompoc community demonstrate both his commitment to public service and professionalism,” Albro said. “Chief Shay’s dedicated leadership will benefit both our community and the Lompoc Fire Department. I look forward to working with Chief Kevin Shay in his new role as Lompoc Fire Department’s fire chief.”

Before being named interim chief he had reached the rank of battalion chief. 

He served as interim chief since April when former chief Brian Fallon left after three years in Lompoc. Fallon now leads the Montecito Fire Department. 

Shay has spent over 20 years in the fire services, with the last 18 years in Lompoc.

“It is an incredible honor to serve as fire chief,” Shay said. “This department has given me opportunities throughout my career that I will always be grateful for. I am humbled by the confidence the city has placed in me, and I look forward to continuing to serve alongside the men and women of this department.”

Shay, a native of Santa Clarita, joined the Lompoc department in 2008. He studied at College of the Canyons and California State University, Fullerton. 

He initially worked as an ambulance EMT in Los Angeles and was a volunteer firefighter for the city of Fillmore before he moved to Lompoc.

Once working in Lompoc, he was promoted through the ranks while serving in operational, training, EMS and administrative leadership assignments. 

Shay also serves as part-time faculty with the Allan Hancock College Fire Academy, where he has helped train future firefighters throughout the region.

Upon his appointment he said his priorities include maintaining a highly trained workforce, improving recruitment and retention, and replacing aging equipment and facilities. 

Shay also is committed to strengthening regional partnerships and ensuring the department remains financially responsible. 

“Our responsibility is to provide dependable service every day, regardless of the challenges we face,” Shay said. “That starts with taking care of our people, making informed decisions and keeping community needs at the center of what the department does. We have a great department, and I am excited about what we will accomplish for both our department and the city of Lompoc.”

Since 2012, Lompoc’s fire agency has had four permanent chiefs — Kurt Latipow, Gerald Kuras, Alicia Welch and Brian Fallon — plus several interim chiefs.