In a recent announcement on January 11, 2024, City Manager Erik Walsh revealed the appointment of Christopher (Chris) Monestier as Interim Fire Chief and Valerie Frausto as Interim Deputy Fire Chief over Administrative Services. The effective date for these appointments is set for Friday, January 12, 2024.
Expressing confidence in the newly appointed leaders, City Manager Erik Walsh stated, “I know Chris well, and he is a strong leader who is well respected within and outside the Department. I have full confidence in Chris leading the Fire Department as they continue the excellent job they do in providing critical life-saving services to San Antonio. Chris and Valerie, along with the Fire Department Command Staff, will provide excellent leadership to the department. Each of them is fully dedicated to leading the SAFD and the critical services we provide each day. They are a completely capable team with many years of experience.”
Christopher Monestier, the new Interim Fire Chief, brings over 30 years of experience in serving the San Antonio community within the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD). He has held various roles during his tenure, including Deputy Fire Chief overseeing administrative services since February 2020. Monestier's background includes serving as a Division Chief, Assistant Chief, and Fire Marshal. A San Antonio native, he graduated from Thomas Edison High School and holds a BBA in Management from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Monestier is married to Miriam for 27 years, and they have two sons, one serving in the United States Marine Corps.
Valerie Frausto, appointed as the Interim Deputy Fire Chief over Administrative Services, has contributed 23 years of service to the SAFD in diverse capacities. Her roles have included Chief of Communications, Assistant Chief over Employee Wellness and Recruitment, and she currently serves as the City's Fire Marshal. A San Antonio native and Incarnate Word High School graduate, Frausto holds a Bachelor’s in Fire Administration from Texas A&M San Antonio. She recently got married to her wife Krista.
These appointments mark a significant step in ensuring the continued provision of critical life-saving services to the San Antonio community under the capable leadership of Interim Chief Monestier and Interim Deputy Chief Frausto.
The permanent Fire Chief position is anticipated to be posted on the City’s website by the end of February.
