South Whidbey Fire/EMS will soon have a new fire chief.

Last month, the board of commissioners selected a candidate after an interview process. Thursday night, they approved a draft of his contract, which will be finalized next week.

Out of the two finalists, the commissioners chose Nicholas Walsh, who is currently a division fire chief for the city of Anacortes.

Rusty Palmer, the current fire chief for South Whidbey Fire/EMS, said his last day on the job will be April 1. Palmer has served as the chief for the past 12 years.

Palmer suggested that the board consider a three-year contract for the new chief. All three commissioners agreed, and they set the annual salary at $126,000, with potential for increases based on performance and cost-of-living adjustments.

The board also agreed on the importance of the new chief living within the fire district. The new chief will have 180 days to establish residency on South Whidbey.

After Walsh reviews the contract and completes negotiations, the final agreement is set to be approved within the next few days.