Troy Spence, director of Bradley County's emergency management agency, has been named interim chief of Bradley Fire and Rescue, according to a news release.

Spence will serve until someone is chosen to replace Chief Dewey Woody, who last week accepted a position with the state fire marshal's office, according to the release from Dan Howell in the Bradley County mayor's office.

Howell said County Mayor D. Gary Davis made the announcement Tuesday evening during a meeting with the county's paid and volunteer firefighters.

Davis noted in the release that Spence had more than 20 years' experience with Bradley Fire and Rescue before he moved to the emergency management agency.

"He has demonstrated outstanding leadership and organization skills, especially during the April storms of 2011. Those skills will be useful during this transition. Troy is fully capable of overseeing both departments until a full-time chief is hired," Davis said.

Spence will serve as both EMA director and interim fire and rescue chief until the position is filled permanently, according to the release.