Kansas City, Kansas, has named Kevin Shirley as its interim fire chief.
According to an announcement today from the Unified Government’s public relations office, former Deputy Chief Shirley has been appointed interim fire chief effective Jan. 2.
He will serve in the role for six months during the search for a new fire chief, according to the announcement. The appointment was made by UG Administrator Doug Bach.
Chief John Paul Jones retired in December after serving about 10 years as chief, and more than 30 years total with the department.
Shirley joined the Fire Department in 1987, according to the announcement, serving as firefighter, driver, captain, battalion chief and senior deputy chief before retiring in 2014.
“It is a great honor to be given the opportunity to work with the great men and women of the KCK Fire Department,” Shirley said in a news release. “It is my desire to continue the progress the Fire Department has made.”
Bach said he is lucky and pleased to bring Shirley back to the KCK Fire Department as interim chief.
“Kevin was a highly respected commander and firefighter for our Department and is still a great member of our community. His leadership style and knowledge of fire operations will be a perfect fit for our community for the next several months,” Bach said.
– Story from UG public relations office