McEwen heads toward retirement.

Jefferson declined to comment while the search for McEwen's successor continues. McEwen did not respond to a Dec. 31 request for comment.

McEwen, 55, took over as fire chief in 2005. He announced his retirement in a Nov. 16 letter to Town Manager Brian Sullivan.

McEwen, who worked for the town of Arlington for 31 years, also resigned as director of emergency management for the town.

Jefferson has long been active member of the firefighters' union, including its president. As acting chief, he know fills a management role.

The town fire chief is a Civil Service position, and so town officials will review a list of eligible Arlington firefighters who have participated in a recent state-required exam for a manager. Malloy has reported that five eligible firefighters are on the current list. 

If all on a current list of candidates or a new list are deemed unsatisfactory, town officials have may broaden the search beyond Civil Service. That could leave an interim chief in place for a longer period.

The Arlington Fire Department has four deputy chiefs, including Jefferson; seven captains, 15 lieutenants and 49 firefighters.