Maui native Jeffrey A. Murray today was named Maui County's new fire chief, succeeding Carl Kaupalolo who retired in December.

Murray, 42, a Maui High graduate who lives in Pukalani, has been a Maui firefighter for 18 years. He serves as leader of the fire department's Urban Search and Rescue Team and was among rescue personnel sent to Kaua'i to assist in rescue-and-recovery efforts following the Kaloko Dam disaster in 2006.

Murray's appointment is effective April 15. He will be formally introduced to the County of Maui's Fire and Public Safety Commission, which unanimously selected him to head the 300-plus member fire department, at its next scheduled meeting on April 2.

Mayor Charmaine Tavares called the decision "the result of a thoughtful process and hard work by the commission members."

Tavares added, "I'm pleased to welcome our new fire chief to my Cabinet and look forward to the energy and positive impact his leadership will bring. Capt. Murray's conviction and passion for the protection of our citizens is evident and will greatly benefit our community."

Commission chairman Butch Soares said, "Murray's positive and progressive vision, in addition to his personal integrity, professionalism and level-headed approach are qualities becoming of our new chief. The commission is united in endorsing Jeff Murray and looks forward to the opportunities to strengthen and build on a proud fire-fighting tradition."

Before becoming a Maui firefighter, Murray served for six years in the U.S. Air Force as a member of the Air Force crash and structural crew.

"This is such an honor and I am humbled by the opportunity to lead the department," said Murray, the son of David and Amy Murray.

The new chief added, "I've watched my father give back to the community as a captain in the state corrections department and I'm proud to walk in his footsteps of public service. Since age 5 I have wanted to be a firefighter. My mom used to drive me to the fire station to visit and I've never wanted to be anything else."

Murray and his wife, Summer, have four children.