The City of Grand Junction has selected Peter Skeris as its next fire chief, concluding a national recruitment process that began this summer.

According to a City of Grand Junction announcement issued Dec. 31, Skeris is scheduled to begin his new role Feb. 17, and he brings nearly 30 years of fire-service experience, most recently serving as a deputy chief with the Charlotte Fire Department in Charlotte, N.C.

In the same announcement, City Manager Mike Bennet said Skeris emerged as the top candidate during what the city described as a competitive national search, citing his leadership experience and operational background.

The appointment follows the retirement of longtime Fire Chief Ken Watkins earlier this year and a period of interim leadership as the city worked to identify a permanent chief, according to the city’s announcement.