PORTSMOUTH _ Jeffrey P. Lynch, deputy chief of the Fire Department, has been selected to succeed Fire Chief Alan T. Adams, who plans to retire effective Dec. 9.

On Monday, Town Administrator Robert Driscoll will seek approval of the Town Council for Lynch’s appointment.

Lynch, with nearly 19 years of experience in the department, has served as deputy chief for the last 3.

He most recently was the department’s fire-prevention officer, dealing with the local impact of many changes in the state fire safety code enacted after the Station nightclub fire.

Specifically, Lynch as worked closely with business and property owners to bring their properties into compliance with new requirements, Driscoll said.

Meanwhile, on Monday, the council plans to swear in a new deputy police chief, Lt. Paul Valente, who fills the vacancy left by the recent promotion of Lance Hebert to police chief.

Valente, with nearly 28 years of experience, is the most senior member of the police force. Since 1998, he has been the department’s administrative officer, procuring more than $2 million in grants, and spearheading improvements to the department’s computer and communications systems.