(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission has approved the appointment of a new fire chief.

On the recommendation of the Hiawatha Volunteer Fire Department, the Commission Monday evening unanimously approved the appointment of Patrick Sheldon to fill the unexpired term of Gene Atland.

Following his appointment, Sheldon was sworn in by City Clerk Tish Sims.

Atland was removed as fire chief at the Commission's December 13 meeting on a 3-2 vote to allow the fire department to select their own chief.

The Commission appointed Atland as fire chief, without recommendation, after they voted in November 2019 to terminate Ryan Shockley.