The town of Oak Bluffs inked a three-year contract with incoming fire chief W. F. Nelson Wirtz on Tuesday, more than 18 months after the departure of former chief John Rose left a revolving leadership door in the department.

According to the contract, which was provided to the Gazette, Mr. Wirtz will make a base salary of $155,000.

The contract will commence May 24 and be effective for three years, ending on May 23, 2024. The contract may be extended as provided by its terms.

Mr. Wirtz, a former fire captain in Chatham, was chosen as the new fire chief in April after the town select board cast a wide net searching for Mr. Rose’s replacement. He beat out finalists William Choate and Andrew Went. Mr. Choate is a finalist for the fire chief job in West Tisbury.

During deliberations, the selectboard cited Mr. Wirtz’s experience in a Cape Cod community and his ability to bring fire training to the department. Mr. Wirtz will also serve as the chief of the town’s emergency services department.

On Tuesday, the board voted 4-1 to accept the contract, with selectman Gail Barmakian casting the lone nay vote.

“It’s exciting,” board chairman Brian Packish said. “We’ll have a new fire chief.”

—Noah Asimow