Whitehall Township has 30 individuals - with experience in both firefighting and running a department - who have applied for the post of township fire chief, an open position that resulted from the passing of Robert Benner. Benner held the position of fire chief in the township for 30 years until his death March 29.

Joseph Shambo, an assistant fire chief, was named interim acting fire chief by Whitehall Township Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr.

Hozza said he hopes to name a fire chief by mid-July.

He added the applicants fare from all over the country and also include interest from persons within the township’s fire department.

Once Hozza names his appointee, the board of commissioners will weigh in on his choice.

There has been no mention of the salary for the next fire chief, which is the sole full-time post in the department. The township has five fire stations: Cementon, Egypt, Hokendauqua, Fullerton and West Catasauqua. There is an assistant fire chief at each of the five stations.

Over the years as chief, Benner was at the scene at all fires, small or large. Hozza said Benner’s death is a void felt by all.

Benner trained thousands of volunteers from across the region at the township fire training center, which bears his name.