St. Joseph City Manager Vince Capell has announced the names of the six finalists to be the next fire chief, including three local candidates.

According to a city press release issued Friday afternoon, the city plans to continue with the interview process in August. That will likely include panel and one-on-one interviews, fire station and facility tours, community tours, question-and-answer sessions with residents and media, and public mixers with residents and the City Council.

The finalists are as follows:

Michael L. Dalsing, a captain with the St. Joseph Fire Department;

Dennis R. Dornhoffer, a captain with the St. Joseph Fire Department;

Rondall “Ron” L. Early, a battalion chief with the Portsmouth, Va., Fire Department;

Perry Guido, assistant fire chief with the Omaha Fire Department;

John Q. Nelson, a battalion chief and interim fire chief with the St. Joseph Fire Department;

and Charles “Chuck” Perry, a captain with the Independence Fire Department.

The city had said earlier that Mr. Nelson wasn’t applying for the position. Mr. Nelson is running for election as the Western District Buchanan County Commissioner.

The city said it gave preference to candidates with more of the following experience: municipal, non-volunteer urban departments; actual firefighting; EMS and field service experience; currently-employed candidates; consistent work history and steady advancement; and education.

Forty people applied for position, and nearly all had impressive career records and a great deal of experience, the city said. The position was advertised nationally, regionally and locally.

More detailed verification of resume information and references will be conducted over the next few weeks and prior to on-site interviews, the city said.