Following two marathon interview sessions that took place in early September before the eyes of the community, where seven candidates made their pitch to lead the Selma Fire Department (SFD), three finalists have been selected by the search committee tasked with culling the candidates and one will be chosen to be Selma’s next fire chief.

Those chosen include current SFD Acting Chief Chris Graham, SFD Fire Investigator Willie Mason and SFD Capt. Franklin Edwards, according to Selma City Council President Corey Bowie.

Bowie initiated the open interview protocol, which he plans to utilize in the search for a new police chief, because he believes “it’s very important that the public be engaged and informed.”

Edwards was the first of the three finalists to come before the search committee last month, where he detailed his experience and his vision for the SFD.

Edwards is a former police officer, having served in Demopolis, Greensboro, Uniontown and Marion, as well as a former sergeant in the U.S. Army.

During his interview, Edwards stated that he believes a leader should show, rather than tell, those under his command how to act and what to do, saying that doing so instills respect and boosts morale.

“I believe in being a leader by example,” Edwards said during his interview. “Why would I ask my men to do anything I’m not willing to do?”

During his interview, Edwards said he hoped to see the SFD “rise to one of the best in the state” by addressing the ongoing manpower issue and upgrading the department’s technology and equipment.

That same evening, Graham appeared before the committee.

Graham has led the local department since the departure of former SFD Chief Toney Stephens earlier this year and has been with the department for more than 23 years.

“Under my leadership, I am hoping for more firemen to be involved in the department,” Graham said when asked what progress he expect to see over the next three years in the department during his interview. “I want to see, in the next three years, that we’re fully staffed where we can actually provide the service to the people of Selma that they deserve. Right now, we’re running at half-cylinder – I want to be an eight-cylinder department in the next three years.”

Mason had his turn before the committee a few days later.

Mason signed on with the SFD in 2002 and quickly rose through the ranks, being promoted to sergeant after four years and eventually to captain before taking on the role as a fire investigator with the department.

“I’m committed,” Mason said during his interview when asked why he is the best candidate for the job. “I never stop learning. I’m dedicated, honest, and I will do a good job for the City of Selma.”

During his interview, Mason pointed to three areas where he wants to see significant changes made – first, Mason wants to address the long hours local firefighters are working, which is putting a strain on many of their family lives; second, Mason listed job satisfaction, which he thinks can be improved by bolstering the department’s numbers and, thereby, lessening the strain on each firefighter; third, Mason wants to see the department offer competitive pay to its firefighters.

Once the selection for fire chief is made, the council will launch into a similar process to select the next chief of the Selma Police Department (SPD).

“The committee will convene within a week or so to start the process in search of our new police chief,” Bowie said. “Public safety is paramount and the selection of the next fire and police chief is pivotal.”