Matt Sullivan will stay on as Chapel Hill’s interim fire chief for at least the next year and a half.

In a memo to council members, Town Manager Roger Stancil wrote that the fire department needs to take time to plan for the future before hiring a new leader.

Sullivan, who has served as interim chief since Dan Jones stepped down in May, will continue in his role for 18 to 24 months while revising the department’s strategic plan.

Stancil says the future of the department will likely involve greater collaboration with other municipalities and community partners.