The Klein Volunteer Fire Department swore in Michael Gosselin—the first paid fire chief in the department’s 68-year history—during a ceremony July 20. Since its inception in 1951, the KVFD has been led by an elected volunteer, Deputy Chief Eric Reinkemeyer said during the ceremony. However, Reinkemeyer said over the past almost seven decades the needs of the Klein area have grown exponentially with its population. “Times have changed,” Reinkemeyer said. “Long gone are the days where most people live and work in close proximity. The community has grown, and the needs for fire suppression and rescue have grown.” Today, the KVFD has seven stations, 30 pieces of equipment and more than 200 personnel covering 52 square miles. Reinkemeyer said while elected volunteers have served as KVFD’s chief for the past 68 years, the role is a lot to ask of someone without compensation.