Lompoc announced on Sept. 15 that fire service veteran Gerald Kuras was chosen to lead the Lompoc City Fire Department. The announcement comes about six years after Kuras’ retirement from fire service in 2011.
Kuras, 63, will take the place of former Lompoc Fire Chief Kurt Latipow, who retired from the force in May, and of Mark Bray, who served as interim fire chief after Latipow’s retirement.
Kuras worked with the Santa Barbara County Fire Department for nearly 36 years, according to a Lompoc press release. In that time, he worked at every county fire station, commanded various large-scale emergencies, and served as battalion chief from 2007 until his retirement.
“I have been so impressed with the commitment and professionalism of the Lompoc City Fire Department that it drew me out of retirement,” Kuras said in the release. “My family and I have close ties to the Central Coast, and I am looking forward to serving the community of Lompoc and working with the excellent men and women of the Lompoc Fire Department.”
Kuras will oversee a staff of 29 employees, according to Lompoc Public Information Officer Samantha Scroggin, and a budget of $12.8 million for the 2017-19 budget cycle. The budget funds fire services, building inspections, and other related programs, Scroggin said.
