Selma City Council appoints new interim fire chief

From the West Newsroom–

A new interim fire chief is appointed to head up the Selma Fire Department.

The Selma City Council voted 5 to 4 to replace the interim fire chief chosen by the mayor — with an interim fire chief of its own choosing.

Coley Byrd is a 24 year veteran of the Selma Fire Department.

“It’s an honor for me to be chosen to serve as interim fire chief,” said Byrd.

“I’m looking forward to working with the legislative and executive branches of city government to help better help this department.”

City Council president Billy Young says the council is planning a nationwide search — to find a permanent fire chief.

“This to me sets up a path for stability, placing the council’s individual into this position, and then opening up a search,” said Young.

Byrd says his focus will be on promotions and recruitment — until a new chief is selected.