New London - The city will start the hiring process at the city's fire department for the first time in four years with a renewed push for a more diverse group of applicants.

Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio said instead of simply seeking certified firefighters, the city will have an "open hiring selection process" to help draw from a broader group of applicants, perhaps someone from the local community. The city would pay the costs of approved applicants to attend the state's fire academy.

While the ultimate decision on a hire is Finizio's, applicants will be reviewed by City Councilor Erica Richardson, Fire Chief Henry Kydd and Personnel Administrator Tina Collins. All were present at a news conference held Wednesday at the New London Fire Department.

"We really need to make sure they are a diverse pool of quality candidates and using an open process will help us to do that," Richardson said.

Kydd said the city's attempts to reach local youth and encourage a career in the fire service include a Public Safety Academy at New London High School, an internship program and participation in community events.

Kydd said the department currently has two Hispanic members, one Filipino, one black man and one woman. In 2011, Al Mayo became the first black firefighter hired by the city since 1978.

Kydd said he expects the department to have five vacancies by mid-May, in part due to retirements and the possibility of promotions to the fire marshal's office from within the department. The fire marshal's office has two vacancies. Kydd said eventually new hires will help to fill the four shifts of 16 firefighters.

The initial two hires will be funded from vacant but budgeted positions, Finizio said.

Finizio credited the firefighters union with working with the city administration to craft a new contract that helped avoid layoffs and allowed firefighters to shift into a state pension system. The new pension system encouraged more retirements, helping to balance the budget and open up the hiring process, Finizio said.

A posting for the open positions will go up with in the next couple of weeks, Collins said.

Local firefighter's union president Lt. Rocco Basilica said he thought "any hiring to replenish the ranks is a positive for the fire department."

Basilica said he was especially encouraged by what appeared to be an effort to find New Londoners interested in the fire service.

"There's pride in ownership," he said.

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