The Haines Volunteer Fire Department this month elected Brian Clay as its new chief in a close vote between two veteran finalists.
Clay defeated opponent Darwin Feakes in a vote of 32 fire department members.
The winner prevailed by two votes.
Clay, who assumes his new post on Jan. 9, inherits ongoing state budget cuts that could impact services and internal fractures over a controversial personnel move involving former employee Jenn Walsh.
In November, Albert Giddings was elected assistant fire chief. Vince Hansen is the new treasurer and Patty Brown is the new secretary.
All fire department election results must be approved by the Haines Borough manager. The new fire chief will earn a $500 monthly stipend.
In an interview prior to his election, Clay said the fire department has moved beyond the internal strife. “Maybe some people still have heartburn over it, but I think we’ve moved on from it. We can deal with it.”
Clay, 52, is a school board member and current fire captain.