The former Grand Prairie fire chief, Clif Nelson, will be interim chief in Colleyville as the city looks for a permanent replacement for retiring chief Russell Shelley.

Nelson has 34 years of experience in public safety, and became Grand Prairie chief in 1996.

He has worked at all levels including driver engineer, lieutenant, captain, fire marshal and assistant chief of operations. The University of Texas at Arlington graduate has a Master Fire certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection and is certified as an emergency medical technician.

Also, the department is accepting applications for the Citizens Fire Academy, which is Feb. 21-May 4. Participants will learn about fire basics, fire scene operations, hazardous materials response tactics and air medical operations.

They also will take the new hire physical agility tests.

Classes will be Thursday nights from 7 p.m.-10 p.m.

Visit the city website at www.colleyville.com to apply, or email [email protected] for information.