The Jefferson City Council has chosen a new fire chief - Capt. Matt Schofield.
In a closed session Tuesday night, the council unanimously voted to appoint Schofield as fire chief, effective immediately.
The city had appointed a recommendation committee that began working in June to review eight internal candidates for the position, which has been vacant since former Chief Bob Rennick retired in March 2013. It has been filled on an interim basis by Jason Turner, the division chief of prevention and public information.
At the end of July, the committee held public forums with three finalists for the position: Schofield, Turner and Capt. Jay Niemeyer. The committee later announced a unanimous decision to recommend Schofield to City Administrator Steve Crowell as the best candidate for the position.
Crowell had been considering both Schofield and Turner for the position.
Schofield, who will earn a starting salary of $88,000, said he was excited to hit the ground running as chief.
"We have a very rich history and a great foundation," Schofield said.
Crowell had previously said the decision on a fire chief would happen in open session, but Tuesday night he said the council wanted to have more discussion about some particulars with the position in closed session.
When asked what influenced Crowell to recommend Schofield instead of Turner or an external search, he said the committees recommendation and Schofield's background and experience made him the right choice.
Turner was not present at Tuesday's meeting.