Oak Bluffs has a new fire chief.

The town select board appointed deputy chief Stephen Foster to the permanent post Tuesday night. Mr. Foster will take the helm of the department on Dec. 21, when Chief Nelson Wirtz retires.

“I really appreciate the opportunity and I can’t explain how much pride I have to be in this position and how dedicated the men and women of our fire department truly are,” the incoming chief said after the vote by the select board. “We’re going to make it stronger. We’re going to be effective and a very efficient department.”

Board member Dion Alley, who sat on the hiring committee, added his vote of confidence.

“Deputy Chief Foster is a strong candidate, very passionate,” Mr. Alley said. “I think that he will represent the town the way that the town of Oak Bluffs looks to their leaders to represent them, and I couldn’t more highly recommend him for this position.”

The committee that screened potential applicants included Mr. Alley, select board member Tom Hallahan, the police chief, the current fire chief, and the town administrator and her assistant.

Scott Hershwotiz, an Oak Bluffs EMT, praised the appointment.

“I’m not a firefighter, so I can’t directly address that, but my experience with Steve is at scenes. He’s been very, very good at organizing scenes and organizing resources and calling the shots,” Mr. Hershwotiz said.

Contract negotiations will take place in the coming weeks.