Come early January the Lexington Fire Department will officially be under new leadership. The new Fire Chief will be familiar to hundreds of firefighters in the central Kentucky community.
Jason Wells takes over as Lexington fire chief January fourth. The 25 year veteran of the public safety department replaces retiring Chief Kristin Chilton. In addition to excitement, Wells said there’s a degree of apprehension, taking the helm during a pandemic. The incoming fire chief realizes his men and women could play a role in the coronavirus vaccination process. “Are paramedics going to be utilized in vaccine distribution? Are we going to be part of that supply, so we are just going to have to be very agile I would say going into the New Year,” said Wells.
Wells said his priorities include the effective and efficient delivery of emergency calls, enhancing diversity and inclusion within the department, and continuing a focus on firefighter health and wellness.
In terms of extending fire services, Wells sees the Hamburg area of Lexington as next in line for a new fire station. He also points to the Man o War-Nicholasville Road area as a site in need of a station.
Here's more with incoming Lexington Fire Chief Jason Wells:
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