CANTON — Residents voted 269-171 Tuesday to elect the fire chief by secret ballot every three years, Town Clerk Kathy Walker said Wednesday.

Selectmen now appoint the chief, who serves until he or she retires, resigns or is no longer deemed fit to serve, Walker said.

“The town will now need to draft an ordinance to carry out the article,” she said.

Resident Chris Dailey presented a series of petitions to selectmen in April, including one calling for the chief to be elected every three years.

Selectmen voiced their opposition to the measure.

Shane Gallant is the chief.

mdaigle@sunjournal.com