After months of searching for a replacement, Hopkinton will have a new permanent full-time fire chief by next year. But the person taking the spot is hardly new to the community: Jeff Yale is a lifelong resident of Hopkinton and a 27-year veteran of the Hopkinton Fire Department, according to a press release.

Yale has already had the chance to show leadership in the department, as he became an interim chief when former chief Rich Schaffer died in 2012 during the Hopkinton State Fair. Yale has also served as the department’s deputy chief for several years, select board Chairman Jim O’Brien said. His familiarity with the community was a big factor in the decision to hire him.

“Jeff knows this community,” O’Brien said. “And he understands that connecting with the community is a crucial to the position. His commitment to the town and the department is pretty amazing.”

Yale said he was “honored and excited” to take the role, which he has worked toward his entire career. He said he joined the department because he loves challenges, helping people and serving his community.

“I’m looking forward to balancing the needs of the fire department, serving our community through fire prevention and suppression when needed, and handling all EMS emergencies,” he said. “We pride ourselves at being able to mitigate any situation called to, and will be trained and ready when called to task.”

Yale will be replacing Shawn Murray, a consultant with Municipal Resources, Inc., who has served as the interim chief since May after former chief Doug Mumford retired. Mumford had served as the full-time chief from 2013 until his retirement earlier this year.

“The board would like to offer its gratitude to Shawn Murray . . . His experience and knowledge has provided a great resource and he has been an asset to the department and town during this interim period,” the press release stated.

The decision also brings to a close the discussion of whether having a full-time fire chief is necessary, according to O’Brien. The board had been debating whether to restructure the department during the search, with options including having a part-time chief and adding another full-time member.

The department currently has six full-time members, not including the chief position, according to the department’s website, and 34 part-time and on-call members. Yale is currently a part-time member.

There was also debate on whether to move towards an emergency services-style structure, where one person would be in charge of the town’s rescue, fire and police departments, O’Brien said. But after talking to members of the department and residents of the town, the decision was made to stick with a full-time chief.

(Caitlin Andrews can be reached at 369-3309, or by email at candrews@cmonitor.)