City officials are one step closer to naming a new fire and police chief for the city of Selma.

Mayor George Evans confirmed Friday that interviews with applicants from within the Selma Police and Fire Departments have been completed.

“We’ve completed the interview process,” Evans said. “We’re waiting now to finalize some numbers and things and have discussions to determine whether or not we’re going to go with these choices or whether or not we’re going to seek to get more information.”

According to Evans, six police officers and eight firemen applied for the chief positions, but one of the applicants for fire chief was eliminated because of a city policy that requires department heads to live within the city limits.

“One of the eight eliminated himself because they were not prepared to move back into the city limits of Selma if they were selected,” Evans said. “One of the criteria if they are a department head is they must live in the city limits of Selma.”

Mayor Evans, council president Corey Bowie, councilwoman Susan Keith and councilwoman Angela Benjamin conducted the interviews with the help of retiring fire chief Mike Stokes, assistant chief Mark Walker and interim police chief Robert Green.

Evans said he feels like a decision could be made within the next two weeks.

“I thought all of the candidates were very good candidates, so the interviews just went very, very well,” Evans said.

“Right now, it is still a question of if we possibly might have some candidates from the group; however, we still need to have a talk with these potential people to see if all the things that we require and need they’ll be able to fulfill. If they can, we may be able to close on that, or else we may have to do some more searching for a candidate.”

Evans said it is important to fill the positions, but the city wants to make sure it hires the right person for the jobs.

“We want to try to find that person if that person exists. The sooner we can get that done, the better off we will be, but right now we’re trying to take our time and do it right and get the best person who can actually work good with the fire and police staffs and who can work in the community well,” Evans said. “It’s got to be somebody who has a good personality and the expertise and experience to be able to work with all facets, city government, the fire department, the police department and the citizens of Selma.”

Evans wants to make sure the eventual hire is in for the long haul.

“We don’t want to keep doing this over and over again. It is very important we get the right guy,” Evans said. “The intent it to hire someone who is going to have longevity.”