Search for Fire Chief Narrowed to Three Finalists

LONGVIEW — The search for the next City of Longview Fire Chief has been narrowed to three candidates. The finalists are James Craft of Plano; Frank Edwards of Pensacola, Florida; and J.P. Steelman of Longview. The finalists are scheduled to receive a tour of Longview on Wednesday, September 8. Interviews with City Manager David Willard will take place on Thursday, September 9. Also on Thursday afternoon, a reception will be held to allow the finalists to meet Longview Fire Department employees, directors of other City departments, and members of City Council.

The City of Longview utilized Strategic Government Resources, Inc. (SGR) to help with the initial search process. The City of Longview will conduct the interviews of the top candidates. As with all of the City’s director-level positions, the City Manager is responsible for selecting the final candidate, which is subject to approval by City Council. No date has been set for when a final decision will be made.