The next Springdale fire chief will climb the career ladder from inside the department.
Bob Downum, president of the city's Civil Service Commission, said Thursday commission members decided to look locally for the next chief.
"We just feel like we've got plenty of talent within the Fire Department to find the next chief," he said.
The city's Human Resources Department had received three applications by the 5 p.m. Friday deadline, reported Debbie Hutton, humans resources specialist. Downum said the commission wants to start interviews Nov. 1.
Fire Chief Mike Irwin announced his retirement last month, with his last day being Nov. 30. He joined the department in 2012.
Mike Price, president of the Springdale Fire Fighters Local 3007 of the International Association of Fire Fighters and the Arkansas Professional Fire Fighters Association, said the firefighters are happy with that decision.