The Wareham Fire District’s Prudential Committee appointed Assistant Chief John Kelley as the department’s next fire chief, pending contract negotiations. 

The Selection subcommittee voted unanimously on Thursday night to name Kelley as Fire Chief Matt Rowley’s replacement after his last day on April 1.

Head of the selection committee Ron Enos congratulated Kelley and two other candidates for their work in applying for the role, which Enos called a “grueling and thorough assessment.”

Kelley was not present during the prudential committee’s meeting.

Rowley has served as fire chief since his appointment in 2018.