Kerri Donis Named City of Fresno’s Fire Chief

FRESNO – Kerri Donis, an 18-year veteran of the Fresno Fire Department, has been named the City of Fresno’s fire chief, City Manager Bruce Rudd has announced.  Donis has been serving as the department’s interim fire chief since June 2013.

“Chief Donis has demonstrated that she is an extremely capable and dedicated public servant.  She has proven her abilities in the FFD over the last 18 years,” Fresno Mayor Ashley Swearengin said.  “In that time, she has served at every level of the organization, including interim fire chief since 2013, and we are proud to announce that she will now serve in this capacity officially.     As a long term member of our community, Chief Donis brings with her a strong connection to our city and the residents we serve.”

Donis has been instrumental securing over $4.6 million dollars in grant funding through the Department of Homeland Security and other various foundations to increase staffing, improve programs, procure equipment, and implement effective marketing strategies for the department.  Over the last year, Donis launched the Firefighter Community Outreach Program which encourages firefighters to interact and foster relationships with residents within their immediate fire districts.

“It is a privilege to appoint a long-standing member of our organization who has successfully progressed through the ranks of the department to be named the 15th fire chief in the history of the City of Fresno,” Rudd said.  “Kerri’s strong commitment to excellence and her continuous leadership resonates within the entire FFD operation.”

“I was recruited to be a student-athlete at Fresno State in 1987 and never left Fresno,” Donis said.  “I committed myself to becoming a Fresno Firefighter, committed to making a difference for both the community and FFD members throughout my career, and will have that same drive and commitment going forward as the fire chief. Fresno is my home, and I am honored, and take great pride in serving as the City of Fresno fire chief.”

Donis received a bachelor’s of arts degree in Exercise Science from California State University, Fresno and a master’s of science degree in Organizational Leadership from National University, San Diego, California.   Additionally, she holds certifications as an executive fire officer from the National Fire Academy, executive fire officer from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, and chief fire officer from the California State Fire Marshall.