CLOVIS, Calif. (KMPH) -
Clovis firefighters have a new leader, and
he's no stranger to the department.
Lee Kraft has been with the Clovis Fire Department since 1981. Little did he know back then, he'd one day rise through the ranks to become Clovis' fire chief.
Unlike many firefighters today, Kraft never dreamed of
rushing into burning buildings to save lives when he was a little boy.
"I was a drafting design major at Fresno State, and I was two months away from signing a contract with Hughes Aircraft down in El Segundo as a draftsperson," Kraft said.
Instead, he saw an ad for reserve firefighters and decided public service was his true calling.
"You think you're going down this path, you take a hard left, and it's an opportunity and you seize the moment," Kraft said.
He started as a reserve firefighter. A few years later, he became full-time and he kept getting promoted.
Kraft has held every rank in the Clovis Fire Department, before the Clovis city manager appointed him to chief Wednesday.
"We've had people come from Colorado from all over to apply. You have somebody internal. Starting from every rank. That's a benefit to the department. That gives a lot of aspect to look at different viewpoints, and he's got a lot of experience and a lot of knowledge," said Interim Deputy Chief Steve Henry.
Kraft will officially become the fire chief next week, after the Clovis City Council confirms his appointment.
Kraft has been the interim fire chief for nearly a year now after the former chief retired last year.
