Selma Gets New Fire Chief
The Selma City Council voted unanimously to name Interim Chief Christopher Graham as new Selma Fire Chief.
Graham’s resume’ includes 24 years of service in the Selma Fire Department.
He has served as a Sergeant, Captain, and even worked in administration as a Fire Inspector with the City of Selma.
“It gave me a lot of experience looking from an operational level, and to the administrative levels of the department, so I was very well versed,” said Chief Graham.
Graham has been the interim Chief since April, when then Chief Toney Stephens resigned, sighting a “hostile work environment” as the reason.
The Chief is now tasked with leading a department in dire need of manpower, and working on a limited budget.
Graham says he is well aware of the challenges facing the department. ” We’re pretty low on manpower, and we’ve got a lot of work (ahead) of us. We’ve got to hire some individuals that are going to be there for Selma.”
The Chief says his main priorities are recruiting and hiring new fire fighters, and re-opening the Woodrow Avenue Fire Station.
“We want to protect the citizens of Selma, and I want to get station 5 opened back up as soon as I can get that manpower taken care of,” says Graham.
Those interested in joining the Selma Fire Department are encouraged to visit the Human Resources Department at Selma City Hall to fill out an application, or visit the main Selma Fire Station.
Chief Graham will assume his role as full term Fire Chief, effective immediately.
