South Whidbey Fire/EMS has hired Jason Laughren from Palm Coast Fire Department in Florida to replace longtime Deputy Chief Paul Busch, who will retire at the end of the year.

Laughren, who has 20 years experience in the fire department and a master’s in public administration, will provide a fresh perspective to the district when he begins work on Jan. 1, 2016, Chief Rusty Palmer said.

“I just think he’s going to bring a vitality and a new perspective from someplace else,” Palmer said. “Sometimes we tend to get caught up in the way we do things here. Every now and then some new fresh ideas bring some good.”

Laughren emerged from a candidate pool of five, which included Division Chief Wendy Moffat, two applicants from Arizona, and one from California.

The candidates went through a four-hour assessment, which included a tactical session, command tests, resolving personnel issues, public speaking, and a board interview.

“It was a tough decision, but that’s why we go through this process,” Palmer said.