Boston will have a new fire commissioner Friday. Mayor Michelle Wu onThursday appointed veteran firefighter Paul F. Burke, a father three who hails from Roslindale originally, to be the next commissioner of the Boston Fire Department.

In a statement, Wu said: “Paul is a trusted leader in this department and has served in many roles leading our fire response. I’m proud to welcome this Roslindale native into leadership as a partner to build a healthy environment for our firefighters and a diverse, connected workforce serving our communities in moments of need.”

Burke, who has been on the department for 32 years, most recently served as Deputy Chief of Fleet and Facilities. In the past, he led the Technical Rescue squad, tasked with "managing technical rescues and emergencies throughout Boston."

Burke will succeed the current Commissioner Jack Dempsey, who is retiring after 35 years. Dempsey began under Mayor Marty Walsh and stayed on under acting Mayor Kim Janey last year, as well as when Wu took over in November.

The job of fire commissioner calls for a sworn firefighter to hold the post. A separate job, fire chief, can be held by a civilian, but since Mayor Thomas Menino's administration, the fire commissioner has effectively served as both.

News of Burke's appointment came the day after School Committee members voted to help Wu fill another major vacancy: Boston schools superintendent. The committee voted 4-3 to offer the job to Mary Skipper, Somerville superintendent and Dorchester resident, over Tommy Welch, a BPS regional superintendent.

Yet another major vacancy is expected to be filled in the coming weeks: Wu is reviewing finalists for the job of police commissioner. She told GBH's "Boston Public Radio" on Thursday that the end of the search is "quite close."

This post was updated with additional reporting.