Mayor Derek Slaughter says the city is looking for a new chief to oversee the Williamsport Bureau of Fire.

Fire Chief Todd Heckman was given the options of retiring from active service or returning to his previous position among the ranks, Slaughter said.

The search for the next fire chief of the 33-member department is being done externally and internally, meaning those who are in the department may apply for the job as well as others, Slaughter said.

The department has an assistant fire chief, Mark Killian, and deputy fire chief, David Dymeck, who make up the command staff.

There are also platoon chiefs but they are not a part of the command staff.

Heckman was hired under former Mayor Gabriel J. Campana to replace Dean Heinbach, who retired.