History has been made in Lexington. Mayor Jim Gray has named Assistant Chief Kristin Chilton to the head of the Fire Department, making her the first female fire chief in Lexington.
Chilton is a 23-year veteran on the force. “I started my career in 1993. I started as a firefighter, I’ve held every rank within the division. I worked my way up as a Lieutenant, Captain, to a District Major where I supervised five stations and over 30 personnel, then I was promoted to Battalion chief where the last three years I served as Assistant Chief of Administration”
Chilton graduated from Transylvania University and decided on a career in firefighting after visiting Station 1 on Third Street as part of a first aid class she was taking. That’s where she met Lexington’s first female firefighter, Lisa Daley who encouraged her to apply. Chief Chilton hopes she can be a similar inspiration to other young girls who want to follow in her footsteps.
Chilton will officially start work as Chief immediately, taking over from Interim Chief Harold Hoskins.