Mehlville Fire Protection District Capt. Brian Hendricks has been promoted to the newly created position of deputy chief training officer.

The Board of Directors voted unanimously during a closed session on Friday to name Hendricks to the post. Hendricks, who was promoted to captain last December, has been employed by the fire district since June 1998. He will be paid a base salary of $84,861.

Three candidates applied for the deputy chief training officer position and Chief Jim Silvernail and Administrative Chief Fire Officer Tim White recommended Hendricks for the post.

“It is our recommendation that Capt. Brian Hendricks be promoted to the position of deputy chief training officer as soon as possible. Although the other two candidates are very qualified, Capt. Hendricks displayed a demeanor and attitude that will take this department to the premier status that we are all working towards,” Silvernail and White stated in a memorandum to the Board of Directors.

“Chiefs White and Silvernail interviewed three in-house candidates, and their recommendation was to promote Brian Hend-ricks,” Board of Directors Chairman Aaron Hilmer told the Call. “Brian is going to be giving a level of training never seen before in the history of the MFPD. The creation of this position is proof positive of our desire to reach and equip all employees who are interested in bettering themselves and this department.”

Hendricks, who started his new position Monday, will focus on safety and discipline, according to Hilmer.