Interview with new SAFD Chief Valerie Frausto about her past, present and future

SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio’s new fire chief was sworn in on Thursday of last week.

After just three days of work, Valerie Frausto said: “It’s really incredible. I don’t think it has sunk in yet.”

On Monday, the 24-year SAFD veteran sat down with KSAT’s Courtney Friedman for his first one-on-one television interview since taking his new job.

The San Antonio native has held several leadership positions with SAFD and beat out 64 other candidates during a months-long interview process.

The main takeaways from her interview were about her past, present and future.

Pressure at work

“I think I will always feel that way. It’s just my nature. I feel pressure. It doesn’t matter where I am or what role I’ve ever been in. I certainly don’t want to let anyone down.”

What positions have you held that best prepared you for this position?

“Any of the officer positions just because it’s a life and death decision. I think having that kind of experience and knowing what men and women go through on a daily basis and how challenging the job can be makes a big difference. Colleagues, we have been working together for a very long time. And there are these relationships that have developed over time.”

Are there any big changes or goals that you would like to achieve right away?

“I think it will take me a while because I think I know what the problems are. But just to confirm that so I don’t have to make a decision that I don’t have all the information.”

Speaking about the specifics of the changes, Frausto said: “I think it’s across the board and it really has to do with morale, communication, transparency and accountability. Operationally, I think we’re very reliable.”

Become the first female fire chief in San Antonio.

“I feel like this is going to change the fire service completely. This is true. And to me, that really means that no matter what you do, if you are determined and work hard, you can achieve anything. When I joined the fire department, I never imagined that I would be a fire chief, especially in San Antonio, the seventh largest city.”

“I want to be a role model for young women. We have a “Hero Like Her” camp and they can see us in uniform. And that’s what brought me to the fire department. It was my whole life’s dream, and it wasn’t until I saw someone in uniform that I thought, “You know what? I can, I can do this.”

“We really need to change society because it’s just a belief that, you know, there are certain jobs for men and there are certain jobs for women. But it really comes down to just helping people, serving your community and doing what you love to do.”

Following a predecessor accused of making negative comments about women: how much weight does that carry?

“I had to really think about it because I don’t want to face the fact that I’m a fire chief, because that’s not why I’m a fire chief. I made my way to this position. If anything, it just makes you stronger and it definitely gave me strength. I feel that I have earned the respect of my colleagues.

What do you want San Antonio to know about you outside of the firehouse?

“I love nature. I love hiking and fishing, and I love helping people.”

What is your relationship with the relatively new fire union administration?

“We actually have a very good relationship. We’ve been working together probably since about 2015. I mean, we agree on a lot, we disagree on some, but I think it’s going to take a lot of simple collaboration. And I’m looking forward to it. I plan to meet with him at least once a month. We talk on the phone from time to time and just exchange ideas.”

Addressing the concerns of firefighters across the country, as well as in San Antonio, dying of cancer.

“I was in a wellness center, so a lot of these changes in protocols started happening a few years ago and then with Quartermaster and the Clean Cabin Initiative.” This only adds to the level of protection we have. We are constantly looking at how we can improve and how we can reduce the level of risk and exposure.”

Combating mental health stigma on the ward

“It really comes down to communication and building trust. Because if people feel comfortable talking to one of their colleagues, that’s really all that matters. Make sure everyone understands that it is okay to not be okay. And you know, I’m open and encourage people to talk about incidents because if you don’t talk about it, it’s just something you’re holding on to and it’s going to really upset you.”

These are just some of the topics covered. Watch the full interview below: