SHEFFIELD — The appeal hearing for fired Sheffield Police Chief Greg Ray will begin at 9 a.m. Thursday, officials said today.

“We are ready to get in front of the board and put on our case,” said Florence attorney Tony Hughes who is representing Ray along with James Irby.

The hearing with the Sheffield Civil Service Board will he held in the second floor courtroom at Sheffield City Hall.

Ray, 54, was terminated Oct. 26 after being given a choice of resigning or facing termination because of performance issues, according to Sheffield Mayor Ian Sanford. Among the performance issues cited was Ray’s failure to address concerns brought up by the mayor and council members.

Ray appealed the termination to the Civil Service Board.

Ray is on leave with pay, pending the appeal.

He has worked in the department since 1992 and served as chief since 2007.

Sheffield Fire Chief Dewey King is serving as interim police chief.