Salinas introduces city’s new fire chief

Salinas is welcoming its new fire chief.

Jeff Johnson comes to Salinas from Kansas City, Mo. where he was former deputy fire chief. He has 31 years of experience as a firefighter, paramedic, Captain, Battalion Chief, and Deputy Chief.

Johnson said he focused on community involvement and diversity in the workplace there. He said he hopes to bring more of that to Salinas. He also said including women in the fire department is a priority.

Salinas City Manager Ray Corpuz introduced Johnson at a press conference Friday morning.

“I think we’re looking for experience, leadership, community values, understanding how important the issue of equity for both gender and race in that executive position,” said Ray Corpuz.

Johnson will start on June 4th. There will be a community event that day for people to meet him.