The next Palmerton Municipal Fire Company fire chief could be appointed as early as next week. The position was vacated last week when the borough accepted Fire Chief Larry Zawaly's decision to retire and resign from the fire company.

Rodger Danielson, the Palmerton Borough manager, said he has contacted the fire company and asked them to post a notice that the borough is taking applications or letters of intent for the fire chief position.Danielson said he thinks the borough will be able to appoint a new person as fire chief at its next meeting on Oct. 22. He has asked that anyone interested in the position apply by the end of this week. Then the borough council will be able to review the candidates before their meeting."The firemen may talk and decided among themselves," Danielson said. "Often that's the case."The fire chief position is renewed annually by the borough council. If there is only one candidate, then the council may still decide to vote on selecting a fire chief."If the individual is qualified and shows good intentions, then there's no reason we couldn't decide that night," Danielson said.Currently, the Assistant Fire Chief Dennis Behler is filling in as fire chief until the next one can be appointed. Behler has served as fire chief in the past, Danielson said, as recently as three years ago. If he decides he would like to have the position again, then Behler is permitted to apply.The fire department is also in need of a new fire police captain. This position was also vacated at the borough's meeting last week when Ryan Shupp decided it was time to step down. Shupp said he has been very active with the fire department for a number of years and needed to spend more time with his family.The fire captain position will be appointed by the fire chief, Danielson said. Once this has been filled, then the other will follow.