The search is over. Mayor Joe Riley (web|news|bio) announced his choice for the next fire chief Monday: Chief Thomas Carr from Montgomery County, Maryland.

Carr was chosen from a short list of seven qualified candidates that were widdled down from 141 total applicants. He comes with 30 years of experience including four as chief.

Mayor Riley says it is Chief Carr's leadership that set him above the rest. Come November, the now former Montgomery County Maryland chief will lead Charleston's firefighters forward.

"I will present to you the next chief, Tom Carr," said Mayor Riley. Carr comes with great approval, from a department known for safety and success. "Oh yeah, we've definitely been waiting for this day," said Eng. Bill Haigler of the Charleston Fire Dept.

Chief Carr was the rumored top choice among firefighters. His confirmation brings great relief.

"Now we have a direction we're going. We're not just floating down the river aimlessly. We have someone who is steering the ship and going to get us in the right direction," said Haigler.

First on his agenda, said Carr, "kitchen table conversation. Let's get our fingers on the pulse and see what's going on."

Chief Carr is not entirely new to the Holy City. He taught Charleston's leaders lessons in fire command following the Sofa Super Store tragedy. His strategy this time around he said, starts at the bottom.

"The folks riding around on the fire trucks are the most important part of the organization. I have to get down, if you will, on my knees and figure out where they are, what's going on, what's good about their world," said Carr.

A career firefighter of 30 years, trading a department of 2,000 for 200.

Chief Carr will make $135,000. That's $25,000 more than former Chief Rusty Thomas, but $180,000 less than his Montgomery County salary. Carr plans to start in early November.