Salina City Manager Jason Gage has appointed a new Salina Fire Chief and his name is Kevin Royse.

Royse, the current Junction City Fire Chief, comes to the City with nearly 29 years of fire service experience. His fire service career began in Wichita, where he held various ranks including battalion chief prior to accepting his current chief role in 2013. Kevin holds both masters and bachelors degrees in Criminal Justice from Wichita State University, and is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer program.

“Kevin is a very competent and bright person. He has the integrity, skill set and leadership ability to keep Salina’s Fire Department as one of the best in Kansas!,” Gage said.

Royse will begin his new role in mid-February.

Thirty-two candidates from across the country were considered for the Salina Fire Chief position.