After 151 years, the Kansas City, Missouri Fire Department officially has its first female fire chief, Donna Maize.

Maize has been the interim fire chief since Sept. 8, 2019, after former chief Gary Reese stepped down, but City Manager Troy Schulte announced he is dropping the “interim” from her title.

A graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program, Maize holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Kansas, a bachelors degree in public relations from the University of Central Missouri, and has worked with the city of Kansas City, Missouri for more than 27 years.

After progressing from KCFD Firefighter to Assistant Fire Chief, she worked as the assistant city manager for public safety.

“It is an honor to be named Fire Chief of such a great organization that is full of dedicated, caring and professional employees.  I look forward to working with all of you as we serve the citizens of Kansas City and make this great organization even better,” Maize said in a news release.