Michele Vaughn selected to lead Salinas Fire Department

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV)

You can remove the word "interim." Current Interim Fire Chief Michele Vaughn has been chosen to lead the Salinas Fire Department as "Fire Chief", according to social media posts by the Salinas City Firefighters Association.

The association says that Vaughn will be the first woman in the department's history to serve as Fire Chief.

She has been with the Salinas Fire Department for more than 20 years, as a firefighter and rising through the ranks.

The association shared statements from Chief Vaughn and City Manager Ray Corpuz.

Chief Vaughn: "I am extremely honored to be the first female Fire Chief the City of Salinas has hired; I am beyond excited of what it feels like to be making history for our city.  I am proud to serve the men and women of the Salinas Fire Department as well as the citizens and visitors of this great city."

Corpuz: "I am very proud to appoint Michele as our new Fire Chief. She has the skill and talent to be an outstanding leader of our Fire Department."

Vaughn was announced as "interim chief" in July, after the previous chief, Pablo Barreto, retired.

Vaughn will start on September 7th.