BEACON – A total of 27 people have applied for the City of Beacon’s first ever paid fire chief’s position. The committee reviewing the applications has narrowed that down to five finalists who are in the process of being interviewed.

Mayor Randy Casale said the candidates come from all across the US.

“The finalists come from New Jersey, Illinois, and Kingston, New York”, he said.

Casale said if the committee is not satisfied with any of the finalists for the $95,000 a year job, they will seek a second round of applicants.

Beacon’s fire department is comprised of both paid and volunteer firefighters. A study of the department recommended it be converted from a volunteer chief to a paid professional leader.