Town Administrator Paul Dawson said a timeline has been established to hire a new Fire Chief for this summer.

“It’s a fairly aggressive schedule for hiring, but I think it’s one we can meet,” Dawson told Selectmen on Tuesday night.

Current Fire Chief Tom Joyce announced his intention to retire via a letter sent to Selectmen on Jan. 14. He will retire at the end of June.

An advertisement with the position’s requirements will be posted soon.

Selectman Jody Dickerson suggested that the board serve as the screening committee when interviewing candidates. Also, he said a panel of three fire chiefs from towns that don’t border Marion should be part of the process.

The board would rely on the panel’s technical expertise when considering candidates' backgrounds.

“That would make this as a neutral as possible,” Dickerson said.