Join the City in congratulating Salinas Fire Chief Michele Vaughn on her retirement! After 22 years of service to the Salinas community, Chief Vaughn has announced her retirement from the Salinas Fire Department (SFD). She rose through the ranks from Firefighter, Engineer, Captain, Battalion Chief, Deputy Chief, and Interim Fire Chief, leading to her appointment as Chief of the SFD.
“This is a bittersweet moment,” shares Chief Vaughn. “As I started in the fire service, I never envisioned myself as Fire Chief for this great city. I will take many lifelong memories and friendships with me as I transition into this next chapter of my life. It has truly been an honor to serve Salinas and our Fire Department for the last 22 years.”
Throughout her 24-year career in the fire service, Chief Vaughn has been influential in her profession, serving as a board member and treasurer with the California Chiefs Training Section, member of the Women in the Fire Service and California Chief’s organizations, and K-9 handler for Urban Search & Rescue with the FEMA California Task Force 4.
Chief Vaughn’s retirement date is May 8, 2022.