Today, the committee that has been choosing a new fire chief for the Selma Fire Department (SFD) will meet at 4 p.m. to consider the eight candidates that are vying to become SFD’s next leader.

Among those applying for the top spot is SFD Acting Chief Chris Graham, who has been leading the department since former SFD Chief Toney Stephens retired earlier this year.

Graham, who has been with the department for more than two decades, was named Fireman of the Year by the American Legion in 2010 after former SFD Chief Mike Stokes nominated him following a daring rescue of three children from a burning home.

Other local firefighters vying for the top spot include Alton Green, Willie Mason, Walter Dailey, Ernest Donaldson, Gabriel Sharpe and Franklin Edwards.

The majority of candidates have served in a leadership role in firefighting.

Green, who is currently retired, served as a sergeant with the department from 1997 until 2002, before being promoted to captain and then being named Battalion Chief by former Selma Mayor George Evans in 2009.

Mason is a fire investigator that worked in the department for more than 16 years and also proctored firefighter exams.

Dailey currently serves as a lieutenant with the SFD and has been with the department for more than a decade.

Donaldson is currently a firefighter with the SFD and Sharpe is currently a captain, apparatus operator and safety officer with the SFD.

Edwards is also a captain with the SFD and also served as police chief in Uniontown.

Shane Phillips is the only candidate from outside of Selma that is looking to lead the SFD having served as chief of the Orange Beach Fire Department where he oversaw five stations.

We agree with Selma City Council President Corey Bowie that all of the candidates are very qualified candidates and all of them have the experience that could be beneficial to the SFD.

Let us hope the committee makes the best choice possible that will lead our fire department to be better.