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The Selma Fire Department has a new Fire Chief.

The Selma City Council announced the hiring of Willie Mason as the city’s new Fire Chief at a Special Called meeting on Thursday.

The city council voted 5-1 for the selection of Mason. The vote came after council members had a 10-minute executive session with Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr.

Councilman Clay Carmichael made the motion, seconded by councilwoman Jannie Thomas.

Carmichael, Jannie Thomas, Christie Thomas, council President Billy Young and Troy Harvill voted to approve Mason. Councilman Atkin Jemison abstained. Council members Lesia James, Michael Johnson and Sam Randolph were not present at the meeting.

Mason, who was among the eight candidates for Fire Chief three years ago, said he’s honored for the opportunity.

“I feel great about becoming fire chief, it shows that God is blessing me,” Mason said.

Mason was recommended to the city council by the ADHoc Committee, whose members consist of  former Selma city councilwoman Angela Benjamin, Joe Phillips, Henry Allen, Kenneth Rose and Terry King.

Walter Dailey and SFD Assistant Fire Chief Franklin Edwards were also under consideration.

Mason is a fire investigator that has worked in the department for over 16 years, while also proctoring firefighter’s exams and teaching classes of recruits for the Alabama Fire College.

Mason earned a Fire Science degree from Columbia Southern University, an Associate of Arts and Science from Wallace Community College – Selma (WCCS) and a bachelor ‘s degree in business from Troy University.

Carmichael and Young both said that Mason stood out.

“Willie Mason had the best resume and he came to us recommended,” Carmichael said.

Added Young: “We commend Mason for going through the process and we hope he has reasonable success with the Selma Fire Department.”

Mason will report to Mayor Perkins, but Young said he must address the city council at council meetings to inform them of what’s going with the SFD.