The Waukesha fire chief search has been narrowed to six candidates, according to Mark Morien, vice president of Voorhees Associates.

The search firm is not yet releasing the names of the finalists. There were a total of 48 applicants seeking the top position in the Waukesha Fire Department.

Fire Chief Allen LaConte announced his retirement from the Waukesha Fire Department in November 2011 after working for the city for 34 years.

His last day was celebrated at the department in early March 2012.

A quarrel between the Waukesha Common Council and the Police and Fire Commission about funding for a nationwide fire chief search brought a long delay to the hiring process. Because the Police and Fire Commission is an independent body by state statutes, the Common Council can’t interfere with its hiring decisions. However, members on the Common Council wanted an internal candidate promoted, which would save the city from the recruitment expenses.

The council was split 7-7, with Mayor Jeff Scrima voting against funding a national recruitment firm.

But the council eventually changed directions after being confronted with the state statutes that require Police and Fire Commissions to remain independent.

Assistant Fire Chief Steve Howard has been acting as fire chief since LaConte left the department.