LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A California fire chief has been picked to lead Lincoln Fire and Rescue.

Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler announced Tuesday that Micheal Despain has been chosen as the city’s new fire chief.

Despain will begin his new role on July 18 if he is confirmed by the City Council. He will succeed Chief John Huff who retired in June. Interim Fire Chief Tim Linke did not apply for a permanent position.

Despain has been the fire chief in Clovis, California for about four years and was chosen among three finalists.

He has been a firefighter for 31 years and has spent much of that time working in Clovis and nearby Fresno fire departments. He will oversee a staff of about 300 firefighters in Lincoln.