Chief candidates make first pitch

The seven men hoping to become Charleston’s new fire chief got a chance to briefly outline their resumes for members of the city council during a luncheon meeting.
   
The seven were chosen from a field of 141 applicants and Mayor Joe Riley says they have phenomenal background and experience.
   
Each took a few minutes to outline their credentials during a luncheon on Monday. They also planned to meet with firefighters and attend a reception before formal interviews begin on Tuesday.
   
The new chief will takeover a fire department still dealing with the deaths of nine Charleston firefighters in a furniture store blaze last year. Riley has not given a timetable for selecting the
new leader.