Mayor Bill Haslam announced today the appointment of a five-member committee to advise him on the selection of a Knoxville fire chief.

The committee will review applications and provide counsel to the mayor on the candidates' strengths and weaknesses. Nearly 50 individuals have applied for the position.

"I appreciate the willingness of these volunteers to serve their community by advising me on this important decision," said Mayor Haslam. "I'm pleased with the large pool of candidates we have to draw from and confident we will find the best person for the job."

Committee members are: Luther Bradley, retired deputy fire chief; Lisa McNeal, media relations manager, UT Medical Center; David Schmid, Knoxville businessman; Ken Wilburn, Knoxville Firefighters Association; and Chris Kinney, the city's senior director of finance and accountability.

Chief Eddie Cureton has announced his retirement from the Knoxville Fire Department after 40 years of service to the city.

The Knoxville Fire Department employs more than 300 firefighters who provide fire protection, first-response and other services to a 100-square mile area. The department's annual budget is $25.7 million.