Editor's note: This version of the story corrects how the personnel board voted.

New London — In an effort to enhance diversification at the fire department, the personnel board on Wednesday voted to set aside the so-called “rule of three” to allow the fire chief to choose from a broader list of qualified candidates.

Following some strong opinions voiced by residents in opposition, however, the board tabled a separate request from Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio for authorization to hire as a probationary recruit a New London resident who had worked with the fire department but who did not make it onto the eligibility list.

It appears that agenda item was tabled because of the controversy it had elicited prior to the meeting, though Finizio was not at Wednesday’s meeting to explain.

Many in attendance, often interrupting the meeting, said they were in favor of hiring more minorities but argued that circumventing the process to hire a certain individual would invite a lawsuit.

“It’s just patently unfair to other people who went through the process,” said Vivian Stanley. “I think the best and most qualified candidates make the best employees.”

Others in attendance, including newly-elected city council members, argued that the board should wait for the new administration to take power before rushing any decisions.

In the decision to set aside the rule of three, Personnel Administrator Tina Collins explained that the fire chief typically makes a choice from the applicants who scored in the top three. With two hires, the pool is typically expanded to four.

The mayor has the ultimate hiring authority.

Collins said that 75 people had applied to open firefighter positions and about 40 had passed a written test before moving to oral exams. In the end there were 21 qualified applicants.

With Wednesday’s vote, Fire Chief Henry Kydd will be able to recommend to Finizio his choice from the entire of pool of 21 eligible rather than the top four, Collins said.

Finizio announced earlier this year a renewed effort to recruit more minorities and residents by opening applications to certified and non-certified applicants alike. When firefighter Alfred Mayo was hired in 2011 he was the first black firefighter hired by the city since 1978.

Finizio, in a voice message Wednesday, said the move by the personnel board to set aside the rule of three would provide for “the largest pool as possible to encourage diversity in our hiring.”

He said he plans to make announcements on new hires sometime this month.

Members of the personnel board, which voted 3-1 on the move to set aside the rule of three, are James Dixon, Chairman Ryan Henowitz, Zachary Leavy and Shawn Procuniar. Procuniar, after initially voting in favor, changed his vote.

g.smith@theday.com

Twitter: @SmittyDay