Kevin Donnelly, Division Chief for the Lodi Fire Department since 2003, will serve as Interim Fire Chief upon Mike Pretz's retirement later this month, Lodi City Manager Blair King announced Monday.

Donnelly has spent 23 years in the fire service, the last 18 with the City of Lodi. He has served as a firefighter, engineer, captain, battalion chief, division chief, and was named fire marshal in 2008.

"Kevin has established good rapport with the rank and file," King said, "and I expect he'll be good for the department. He certainly knows the fire service."

Donnelly's appointment will be effective June 26.

"I am honored to have this opportunity and am looking forward to working with everyone to maintain the highest level of professionalism and service to the citizens of Lodi," Donnelly said.

Donnelly has been involved in the development of the Operations Section of the California Fire Chiefs Association and has served on the executive board. He has also served as chairperson of the San Joaquin County Fire Chief’s Training Officers Committee and is a past president of the IAFF Local 1225.

Donnelly has an associate's degree in Fire Science Technology from San Joaquin Delta College and a bachelor's degree in Occupational Studies for Emergency Service Management from California State University, Long Beach.

Kevin and his wife, Cathy, live in Lodi.