Valerie Frausto Takes the Helm as San Antonio’s Fire Chief
San Antonio – The air was charged with excitement last week as the city welcomed its new Fire Chief, Valerie Frausto. Sworn into office just last Thursday, Valerie is quickly embracing her new role. After only three days on the job, she humbly remarked, “It’s really unbelievable, actually. I don’t think it’s sunk in just yet.”
A Veteran in the Field
Valerie is not new to the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) – she’s been serving for an impressive 24 years! In her first in-depth TV interview since being appointed, Valerie shared her thoughts with the local community about her journey and what lies ahead. She emerged victorious from a pool of 64 candidates—proof that hard work and dedication can lead to great things.
Pressure and Responsibility
With great power comes great responsibility, and Valerie feels the weight of her new title. She mentioned during the interview, “I always feel pressure. No matter where I’m at, I certainly don’t want to let anybody down.” This sentiment is especially crucial in her line of work, where decisions can be literally life or death. She brings a unique perspective, having shared long-standing relationships with her colleagues—relationships that surely contribute to a supportive work environment.
Vision for the Future
Valerie emphasized her commitment to understanding the issues the department faces. “I think I know what the issues are, but I want to confirm that, so I don’t make a decision that I don’t have all the information.” Her approach highlights the importance of communication, morale, transparency, and accountability within the department. She believes these aspects are crucial for enhancing the spirit and functionality of the SAFD.
Pioneering Change in Fire Services
Speaking about her role as Fire Chief, Valerie feels a personal calling. “This changes the fire service altogether!” she declared. Her journey wishes to inspire others; she hopes to serve as a role model for young women interested in following a similar path. Valerie recounted her own inspiration when she spotted someone in uniform, prompting her to think, “’You know what? I can do this!’”
Breaking Down Barriers
Valerie recognized the need for societal change regarding gender roles in various job sectors, stating, “We have to change the belief that certain jobs are for men and others for women.” She believes the primary goal of any service-oriented job should be to help people and serve the community, regardless of gender.
Fostering Trust and Support
One of her main focuses will be fostering a supportive environment among colleagues. Valerie noted, “It really comes down to communication and building that trust.” She is a firm believer in the importance of mental health, saying, “It’s OK to not be OK.” An open and honest atmosphere can significantly reduce workplace stress and promote overall well-being, which is incredibly important in a high-stress role like firefighting.
Looking Ahead with Collaboration
Finally, Valerie’s positive attitude towards collaboration stands out. She plans to meet regularly with both her colleagues and other local leaders, stating, “It’s going to take a lot of just collaboration, and I look forward to it.” Her commitment to teamwork indicates a promising direction for the future of the SAFD.
As Valerie Frausto takes her place as San Antonio’s Fire Chief, the community eagerly awaits the positive changes she aims to implement in the fire department. Her dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment mirrors the heart and soul of what it means to serve a growing city like San Antonio.
