LEXINGTON, Ky. — Lexington's next fire chief is Jason Wells, a 25-year veteran of the force. Mayor Linda Gorton made the announcement Friday.

Wells, who currently serves as Assistant Chief of Administration, has worked his way up in the division through numerous assignments, previously serving as Assistant Chief of Prevention and Preparedness.

“Our fire department is one of the best in the country,” Gorton said. “Jason will work with our firefighters to build on that excellence.”

Wells called it "an honor and a privilege" to lead the Lexington Fire Department.

"I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to serve alongside many talented individuals. I am so grateful for the leadership and guidance provided by Chief Chilton, and I thank her for her many years of dedication to the Division of Fire," he said.

Wells followed in the footsteps of his father, Jim Wells, to the fire department.

“While we have experienced many challenges this past year, we know that there are many more to come. I look forward to working closely with Public Safety Commissioner Ken Armstrong, Mayor Gorton, and the amazing members in the Division of Fire and throughout the City to address these challenges,” he said.

Before joining the fire department, Wells earned his bachelor's degree from Northern Kentucky University in organizational leadership. He also holds a master's degree in business administration from the University of the Cumberlands. On top of those achievements, Wells participated in the Fire Service Executive Development Institute.

Wells officially takes over the position Jan. 4, succeeding Chief Kristin Chilton, who is retiring.

In total, Lexington received 24 applications that included resumes from both inside and outside of Kentucky. Gorton, who interviewed two finalists, made the final decision Thursday.

Wells and his wife, Fay, have one daughter, and they have lived in Lexington for 19 years.

Haeli Spears is a digital producer with Spectrum News 1 Kentucky. She is a University of Louisville graduate who started her career with Spectrum News in May, 2020.