By Staff
Leada Gore, Hartselle Enquirer
Hartselle has a new fire chief.
Steve Shelton was unanimously approved as the city's top firefighter at Tuesday night's city council meeting.
Shelton, a Hartselle resident, is currently a lieutenant with Decatur Fire and Rescue. He replaces longtime Chief Rickey Joe Smith, who retired in October. Smith now operates a wrecker service.
Shelton will begin his service in February. He was given a week's vacation when he was hired to accommodate a previously planned vacation.
Shelton is a graduate of Austin High School and earned an associate's degree in fire science from Calhoun Community College. He also has a bachelor's of arts in public safety from Athens State University.
Shelton's wife, Diane, is a physical education teacher and coach at Hartselle Junior High School. The couple has two children.
Shelton was selected from more than 14 applicants for the chief's post.