The Gadsden Civil Service Board on Tuesday promoted the Gadsden Fire Department's chief of emergency medical services to lead the department.
Wil Reed was chosen as fire chief by a unanimous vote of the board members present for the called meeting.
“I’m humbled y’all chose me to lead the department, “ Reed said, after his wife Kristie pinned on the chief’s badge.
He said he will be leading a group he believes to be the best fire department in the state.
The Civil Service Board interviewed applicants, all from within the department, last week. Board President Alice Pruett said the board appreciated everyone who applied.
“Every time we have interviews, we learn so many wonderful things about the department,” she said. “We heard a lot of good things about (retired) Chief (Stephen) Carroll,” Pruett added, about the policies and training developed in his time as chief.