The city of Ames named Deputy Fire Chief Shawn Bayouth its new fire chief earlier this week.

Bayouth succeeds former Chief Clint Petersen, who retired in July after working with the Ames Fire Department for nearly 30 years.

According to a city of Ames news release, nearly 50 people applied for the job, with three finalists going through an interview and public presentation process this past July.

Bayouth began working with the fire department as deputy fire chief in 2007. According to the release, he previously worked in Avon, Colo., as a battalion chief for the Eagle Ridge Fire Protection District. Bayouth also worked for the Urbandale Fire Department as the assistant chief of training for three years.

Bayouth begins his new job Aug. 23.