The City of Ventura has selected Interim Chief Kris McDonald to serve as the next Fire Chief of the Ventura Fire Department after the retirement of Fire Chief David Endaya in December 2025. Following a nationwide recruitment process, Chief McDonald assumed the role on January 31, 2026.
As Assistant Chief, McDonald has overseen key operational functions within the department and brings broad experience across multiple areas of fire service leadership. He has served in several command and training roles, supporting department operations, personnel development, and emergency response readiness. Regionally, he also holds multiple qualifications within California’s Incident Command System, strengthening the City’s capabilities during large-scale and complex incidents.
“Kris brings deep operational expertise, a commitment to training and safety, and a steady leadership style,” said City Manager Bill Ayub. “He is well prepared to lead the Ventura Fire Department into its next chapter.”…