The search for Marion’s next fire chief has attracted high profile candidates such as New Bedford’s current chief, the director of the Rhode Island Fire Academy and Upton’s fire chief.

Candidates' reasons for wanting to lead the small, volunteer department are diverse. New Bedford Fire Chief Michael Gomes, for example, said he wants to stop pushing papers and start fighting fires again.

Fire Chief Aaron Goodale of Upton said the town’s large volunteer force was a draw for him. And current Marion Lt. Ryan Miller said his local knowledge would benefit the town, if promoted.

On Tuesday night, Selectmen held the final round of interviews. In total six applicants were considered to fill a vacancy left by outgoing Fire Chief Tom Joyce, who steps down at the end of the month.

Board members will announce the name of Marion’s next fire chief at the next Selectmen meeting on June 11 at 5 p.m. in the Town House conference room.

Read on to learn about the applicants and their backgrounds.

Michael Gomes

New Bedford Fire Chief Michael Gomes said he has a deep background in public safety as every male member on his father’s side of the family has served in the department.

“It’s the family business,” said Gomes.

He joined the department 25 years ago and has been chief for the past four and a half years. Gomes said he’s worked in every position in the fire service, from dispatcher to chief, except for fire investigator.

When asked about his leadership style, Gomes said a chief’s actions set the tone.

“This year, we had record snowfall and I was shoveling fire hydrants, I didn’t have to. If you’re asking [firefighters] to do a job you better be willing to do it,” said Gomes.

Gomes, who lives in Dartmouth with his wife, said he applied for the Marion job because he wanted to fight fires again.

“I push papers. I’m an administrator,” he said. “I’m looking at this as a chance to get in touch with my inner firefighter.”

Mark Pare

Applicant Mark Pare, who is director of the Rhode Island Fire Academy, began his career in public safety in 1975 with a private ambulance company in Providence. In 1979, he joined the Providence Fire Department and worked his way up the ranks before retiring as acting assistant chief in 2008.

From 2008 to 2010 he served as Wrentham’s fire chief.

Pare told Selectmen he has continued his education throughout his career. He earned a bachelor's degree in fire science from Providence College in 1987. In 2012, he graduated from Anna Maria College with a master's degree in Public Administration.

He also addressed the issue of attracting volunteers who can be on call to ensure quick response times.

“What I see in terms of departments similar to this is that they are struggling with getting trucks out on time and struggling to have people make the commitment,” Pare said.

Kevin Gallagher

Of the candidates, Acushnet Fire Chief Kevin Gallagher has managed a department most similar to Marion’s. In Acushnet, at least one firefighter is on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with volunteers responding as needed. In Marion, there is one full-time firefighter on the payroll, but there is not full-time station coverage.

Gallagher started as a call firefighter in 1986. He became chief in 2003.

Selectman Chair Stephen Cushing asked how Marion’s ambulance department should prepare for the future.

“It’s an issue we’re all grappling with,” Gallagher said. “The number of medical related calls in 2015 has exploded over what we were handling in 2008.”

He described the increased calls as a nationwide trend due to an aging population. Reviewing how the department is staffed is critical to maintain a high level of service, said Gallagher.

When asked what important qualities a chief should have, Gallagher responded that being an effective communicator and connecting with community residents and leaders is paramount.

“In my experience, the position of fire chief is held in high esteem in the community,” Gallagher said. “That’s something to be nourished and cultivated.”

Ryan Miller

After six years in the Marion Fire Department, Lt. Ryan Miller hopes Selectmen promote him to the top spot.

A Wareham resident, Miller is the only internal candidate. He said his local knowledge would be an asset if selected.

“That’s what gives me an edge,” he said. “I know what we’re looking for and I know the people. That gives me a decent background to move this department forward.”

Miller has 12 years of experience in the fire service. He is the department’s only full-time firefighter and also directs the town’s ambulance service, which began offering 24-7 coverage in 2013.

His training includes stints at the Massachusetts Fire Academy and Texas A&M’s fire program.

Brian Jackvony

Candidate Brian Jackvony has served with fire departments in large cities and small towns, which he said gives him a broad experience.

Jackvony started his career as a call firefighter in the 1970s following in his father’s footsteps.

In 1983, he joined the Providence Fire Department where he advanced to acting battalion chief. He accepted a job as fire chief for the town of Valley Falls in 2007. In early 2011, Valley Falls became part of the North Cumberland district.

“I’ve got a broad range of experience in urban and suburban settings, similar to the town of Marion,” Jackvony said.

Looking ahead, he said the role of fire department and ambulance services is changing. Instead of being perceived as just reacting to emergencies, departments must work to prevent fires and injuries, he said.

“The future is fire prevention and community risk reduction,” he said. “We need to address the causes of accidents and work closely with the elderly to protect them.”

Jackvony has served on the Rhode Island Fire Education Training Board for four years and has been a certified fire instructor trainer for six years. He also developed the Rhode Island flammable liquids task force, which grew into a statewide program under his leadership.

Aaron Goodale

Upton Fire Chief Aaron Goodale has 27 years of experience in public safety. He became chief of Upton's fire and emergency medical services four years ago. He’s served in departments on Cape Cod and in communities throughout Worcester County.

He joined the fire service at age 16 as an auxiliary firefighter.

“I came up through the ranks. I’ve held every rank in different organizations that I’ve been a part of,” Goodale said.

Goodale said learning new firefighting and training techniques is important. He holds a bachelor’s degree in fire science and a master’s degree of public administration fire service management from Anna Maria College.

He said the number of Marion’s volunteer firefighters is impressive.

“One thing that inspired me to apply is the size of the call force,” Goodale said. “You have a large call force which is great. It’s difficult to find.”

Though an all volunteer force does pose morale problems, he said.

As a chief, Goodale said he took Upton’s personnel bylaw and rewrote it to apply a code of conduct to the fire department. Firefighters and paramedics all knew what was expected of them, he said.

“We need to bring an attitude through the doors that is positive and respectful to other members organization. As firefighters we’re held to a higher standard.”