Mountain View Fire Rescue announced the four finalists for fire chief on Thursday in light of Chief Dave Beebe’s retirement next month.

In an infographic posted to social media accounts, MVFR named the four finalists; Michael Mire of Houston Fire Department in Texas, Patrick Reid of Pasco Fire Department in Washington, Pepper Valdez of Billings Fire Department in Montana and Anthony Velasquez of Fairfield Fire Department in California.

“Following an extensive national executive search, these candidates have been chosen for their distinguished leadership, extensive experience, and dedication to public service,” the department said in the infographic.

According MVFR spokesman Rick Tillery, an external agency was used to conduct the nationwide search. The agency reviewed candidate submissions before selecting the four finalists with the guidance of the MVFR Board of Directors, according to the infographic.

Mire, a district chief of emergency operations, has over 20 years of experience in the fire service that includes being a firefighter, paramedic and U.S. Army staff sergeant, according to the infographic. Mire has an associate’s degree in fire science/officer specialization, a bachelor’s degree in public service leadership and a master’s degree in human resource development.

Reid, a deputy fire chief, has worked in leadership positions in four different states and has over 30 years of experience in the fire service as well as experience working as a FEMA program manager, according to the infographic. He’s earned a Bachelor of Sciences in emergency services administration, a Master of Sciences in management and leadership and is on track to complete a doctoral degree in management and leadership.

Valdez, a fire chief, has risen through the ranks of the Billings Fire Department over the last 25 years, according to the infographic. He’s been a paramedic, firefighter, engineer and senior assistant fire chief and has a Bachelor of Sciences in business administration-accounting and a Master of Arts in organizational and executive leadership.

Velasquez has more than 30 years of fire service experience under his belt and has served as a fire chief for the last nine years, according to the infographic. Based in California, Velasquez began his career with the California Department of Forestry and has earned an Associate of Science in fire technology, a Bachelor of Arts in human relations and a Master of Arts in organizational leadership.According to MVFR, final interviews are scheduled to begin on Monday and a final decision is expected to be announced by the Board of Directors at their next meeting on March 18.

MVFR is hosting a community mixer from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at The Overlook at Colliers Hill community center at 650 Orion Ave. in Erie to give residents an opportunity to meet the finalists.