HAMPTON -- The town of Hampton has a new fire chief.

Hampton selectmen announced at their Monday night meeting that Chris Silver, who most recently served as deputy fire chief, had been selected to fill the position vacated by Hank Lipe.

Silver was reportedly one of three in-house department employees who had applied for the position.

According to the department's Web site, Chief Silver is an 18 year veteran of the Fire Service with experience in maritime, industrial, and municipal fire and safety services, having served as both a volunteer and career firefighter.

Chief Silver began his career with the Hampton Fire Department in 1993, becoming the department's first paramedic. Throughout his tenure, Silver has served as a firefighter, fire lieutenant and a deputy chief responsible for Safety and Training, Emergency Medical Services and Technical Rescue.

Chief Silver is also a senior staff instructor for the New Hampshire Fire Academy and often instructs on firefighter safety and rescue. He is also an adjunct instructor with the National Fire Academy and a member of FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Massachusetts Task Force 1.

For more than 11 years, Chief Silver has specialized in the development and delivery of technical rescue programs including Rescue Systems I&II, Structural Collapse, Rope, and Confined Space.

A graduate of the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer Program, Chief Silver holds an Associates Degree in Fire Science. His certifications include Hazardous Materials Technician, Fire Instructor III, Fire Officer II, and EMT-Paramedic, among many others.

The public can reach Chief Silver by calling (603) 929-5810 or by email at csilver@hamptonfirerescue.com.