Billy Hanks has been appointed the new Christiansburg fire chief and fire marshal effective Monday.

Current Chief James Epperly has decided to retire, Town Manager Lance Terpenny said.

Terpenny said Hanks has extensive training and experience and "he has the support of our volunteer fire crew."

Hanks has worked previously for the Blacksburg and Radford fire departments, Terpenny said.

Although Epperly has decided to retire, "he's still going to stay active in the fire department," Terpenny said.

Epperly has served the Christiansburg fire department for many years. He was promoted to fire chief and fire marshal in 1972 at age 26. Later, he was also named president of the State Fire Chiefs of Virginia, according to information on the fire department's Web site.

The chief is the only paid member of Christiansburg's volunteer fire department. The town also pays for the operations, building and equipment. Montgomery County also pays for some equipment, Terpenny said.