For the first time in its’ 18-year history, the Mapaville Fire Protection District has a full-time paid chief at the helm.

The district’s board voted 5-0 on November 19, to appoint Assistant Chief Dave Brown to the post.

A pinning ceremony was held on December 1, during the district’s annual Christmas party.

“The fact that it was a unanimous vote is significant,” board president Ron Beckett said. “I’ve been on the board since the district was created, and I watched him grow up. I have faith in him, his skills and abilities, his maturity. He’s the right fit at the right time for us.”

Brown, who lives in rural De Soto, will be paid $38,000 as chief and will have the use of a district vehicle.