LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX `18) — Lexington Fire Chief Kristin Chilton has announced that she plans to retire in January.
"Through vision and experience, Kristin Chilton has continued, and built upon, the tradition of excellence in one of the best fire departments in the country," Mayor Linda Gorton said. "We will miss her."
Chilton is a 28-year veteran of the Lexington force. She first became interested in a career in firefighting in 1990 after visiting Station 1 on Third Street as part of a first aid class at Transylvania University. At Station 1 she met Lisa Daley, Lexington’s first woman firefighter and a paramedic, who encouraged her to apply.
Chilton said she looks forward to spending more time with family, traveling, and volunteering with various animal welfare organizations that are important to her. Her family lives on a small farm with their adopted daughter. Her husband, Richard Jordan, a retired assistant chief with the Lexington Fire Department.
Chilton's successor will decided by a search committee. They will look at internal and external applicants as well as perform a national search.
