Though Albemarle is in the process of looking for a new fire chief, City Manager Michael Ferris, who is acting as interim chief, said he does not know when a new chief will be named.

“The goal in these processes is to find the best candidate for the department, our organization and the citizens of Albemarle and we will continue until we get to that point,” he said.

Ferris became interim chief at the end of May, when Shawn Oke, who had been chief for nine years, retired.

“In the case of the Fire Department, we do not have an assistant chief to serve as interim chief, which is why I have this designation,” he said.

Ferris is working directly with the battalion chiefs, who are each responsible for certain duties.

He said his primary responsibilities “are still as City Manager and managing the operations of the city.”

“We have a top-notch fire department and personnel and everyone knows their daily responsibilities and duties,” he said, “and they are able to continue to do this without a permanent department head in place, which is how it should be and is a sign of a strong organization.”