Madison has taken the “acting” tag off its fire chief, naming Brandy Williams to the post she has been filling on an interim basis since February.

Williams’ appointment is effective immediately. She has been serving as interim fire chief since David Bailey resigned. The latter had held the position since 2017.

Williams joined Madison Fire and Rescue in 1998, and several city officials lauded what they called her dedication to Madison.

“You’ve been here a long time, and you’ve earned it,” Councilor Teddy Powell said after the unanimous vote to confirm her appointment. “I have gotten a tremendous amount of emails from … people who have worked with you for years — it means a lot.”

Mayor Paul Finley said one of the things he and councilors thought was important as the city considered a new fire chief was, “To make sure … that the people we bring in, stay.”

“The atmosphere within the fire department is critical, and I think [Williams] has the support,” Finley said. “We’re not just naming someone, it’s someone who has a game plan and a commitment from her team.”

Upon the vote, councilors and many uniformed firefighters in attendance stood and applauded.

Madison Fire and Rescue has, “A plan moving forward, and we will continue to build on that plan,” she said. “We will go forward and be better every day.”

The position pays $169,267.