It looks like North Platte has a new Fire Chief, pending the approval of the City Council.

Mayor Dwight Livingston announced Thursday that he will be recommending Dennis Thompson to the North Platte City Council at their May 7th meeting.

Thompson has been with Fire Department for over twenty years, and served as a volunteer firefighter for five years prior to that.

Thompson has served as the Interim Fire Chief since the retirement of Chief Paul Pederson in March.

The hiring process was extended when too few candidates met the testing requirements of position.  Livingston said that the candidates were narrowed down to Thompson and one other.

When asked about his thoughts on Mayor Livingston’s choice, Thompson said simply, “I’m elated!”

Thompson said he told Chief Paul Pederson over 20 years ago at his job interview that he wanted his job, and now his dream is coming true.

He also wanted to encourage the community to communicate with the Department.