After serving as interim chief since December 2025, Kris McDonald has been officially selected to lead the Ventura Fire Department on a permanent basis.
The city’s decision follows a thorough nationwide recruitment process aimed at finding a successor for retired Chief David Endaya. McDonald, a veteran of the fire service with over 30 years of experience, will formally assume the role on January 31, 2026.
McDonald joined the Ventura Fire Department in 2002 and has advanced through every rank, from lateral firefighter and paramedic to battalion chief and assistant chief.
He holds multiple specialized qualifications within California's Incident Command System, which are critical for managing large-scale wildfires and complex emergency responses.
City Manager Bill Ayub noted that McDonald’s deep operational expertise and steady leadership style made him the ideal choice to lead the department’s nearly 100 staff members.
As the permanent Fire Chief, McDonald will earn an annual base salary of $270,922 and oversee six strategically located fire stations.
The department currently responds to more than 18,000 incidents annually, ranging from medical emergencies to hazardous materials calls. McDonald stated that he is humbled by the appointment and remains focused on driving innovation and service excellence for the Ventura community.