Richmond, Maine Fire Department Operating Under Temporary Leadership
The Town of Richmond is searching for a new fire chief after the department has operated without a permanent chief since February.
According to the Kennebec Journal, Richmond’s 16-member fire department, which also provides emergency medical services, has been without a permanent chief since Stephen Caswell resigned from the part-time position on Feb. 19.
Patrick Drake, a full-time firefighter in Gardiner, was appointed acting chief following Caswell’s departure. Drake recently stepped away from the role to focus on his full-time firefighting position and paramedic school.
Town Manager Jim Chandler says the town is now actively searching for a permanent replacement and hopes to have a new chief in place by Oct. 1. Two qualified applicants have applied so far, though applications are still being accepted, The KJ said.
Rather than appoint another temporary chief for what could be just a matter of weeks, Chandler has taken over the department’s administrative responsibilities. Fireground operations will be handled by three experienced Richmond Fire Department officers: Captains Matt Roberge and Dan Welch and Lt. Donald Burr.
Both Roberge and Burr have previous experience serving as fire chiefs.
Chandler says residents should remain confident that the department is prepared to respond to emergencies with experienced leadership in place.
The newspaper explained that while Chandler will handle duties including payroll, records and other administrative work, he does not plan to regularly respond to fire scenes unless his emergency management experience is needed.
The town expects to assemble an interview panel that will include Chandler, current department officers and fire chiefs from surrounding communities.
Chandler has also sought input from fire chiefs in Bowdoinham, Litchfield and Gardiner about what Richmond should look for in its next chief.
The position pays $30 an hour and is budgeted for at least 20 hours per week, primarily for administrative responsibilities and training oversight. Fire responses would be paid separately.
Applicants are expected to have several years of firefighting and EMS experience, including supervisory or command experience, along with current EMT credentials and Maine Firefighter I and II certifications.
