While reviewing a job description for a new fire chief, Selectmen struck a residency requirement and emphasized that the person hired should have experience managing EMTs.

“If you’re going to be in charge of [emergency medical services] you need that familiarity,” Selectman Steve Cushing said on Tuesday night.

Chair Jon Henry agreed.

“It would be essential to be familiar with running a department,” Henry said.

Town Administrator Paul Dawson presented the job description, an overview of the selection process and a timeline to Selectmen.

Current Fire Chief Tom Joyce announced his retirement on Jan. 14. Joyce steps down at the end of June.

The advertisement will be posted within the next few days.

Originally, the description said candidates should live in, or be willing to move to, within a 15-mile radius of town.

Selectman Jody Dickerson supported the requirement, but Henry said the board should attract a large pool of candidates.

“That would rule out a lot of people,” Henry said.

Based on his experience as a town administrator, Dawson said applicants won’t apply if there is a residency requirement.

“It’s tough to uproot a family,” he said. “You do eliminate certain people and we don’t have that requirement for any other employee.”

The board then agreed to remove the requirement.

When applications do start arriving, Selectmen said it would be helpful to set up a screening committee.

Under open meeting law, the committee may review applicants in executive session. Dawson said that provision is designed attract high quality candidates. Also, the board will reach out to current or retired fire chiefs outside of the area to help with the screening process.

As the field is whittled down, Selectmen will interview candidates in open session.