Wilmington narrows search for new fire chief

Wilmington’s city council is one step closer to naming a new fire chief after a day of intense interviews.

The nationwide search has now been whittled down to four finalists.

The first interviewed was Larry Collins, a fire chief from Dayton, Ohio.

Next up was Cecil Martinette, an assistant county administrator from Virginia.

Robert Ridgeway, a fire chief from Florida, was interviewed next.

The only local contender to interview was interim Wilmington Fire Chief Frank Blackley.

Wilmington City Council member Kristi Tomey said, “You know I think it’s a tough decision. You have a lot of talent here, and picking the right fit for us is going to be tough. I have to tell you, but thank goodness out of the four candidates, I don’t think we can make a bad choice. They’re all outstanding.”

The process of finding a new chief began in January, after longtime chief Sam Hill announced his retirement.

A final decision is expected in the next few weeks.