LEXINGTON, Ky. — Mayor Linda Gorton will hold a news conference Monday morning to discuss changes at the Lexington Fire Department, according to a statement from the Mayor's Office.

The announcement is scheduled for 10 a.m. on September 21 at the Government Center, 200 E. Main St. Fire Chief Jason Wells will join Gorton at the event.

Details about the specific changes have not been disclosed in advance. The news conference will be livestreamed on the city's YouTube channel within 45 minutes of its conclusion.

Wells, a 25-year veteran of the Lexington Fire Department, assumed the role of fire chief in January 2021 after Mayor Gorton selected him following a national search. Under his leadership, the department has undertaken several initiatives, including recent placement of three new fire engines into service earlier this month. The new engines, which cost between $950,000 and $980,000 each, serve stations across the city.

The Lexington Fire Department answers more than 70,000 calls annually and serves a community of more than 320,000 residents across 285 square miles. The department has also expanded its Community Paramedicine program, which addresses the needs of individuals struggling with substance use and behavioral health issues.