PORTLAND, Maine — Portland has begun its search for a new fire chief after the existing chief, Keith Gautreau, announced his plans to retire.
City officials issued a press release Friday detailing the responsibilities for the new fire chief, which include managing "Maine's largest and most sophisticated Fire/EMS department" and serving as a member of the city's leadership team, helping run Maine's largest municipality.
"I want to thank Fire Chief Keith Gautreau for his service to the City of Portland," City Manager Danielle West said in the release. "I am so grateful for his outstanding leadership and management of the Fire Department since he took the reins as Chief in 2018."
According to the release, Gautreau first joined the department in 1995 and has reportedly held every rank before leading the agency.
As chief, West said Gautreau has prioritized mental health care within the department, which has included developing a program to support staff.
Gautreau has also focused on department leadership initiatives and innovative strategies to strengthen staffing and administrative oversights, according to the release.
"Portland is safer today because of Chief Gautreau's leadership, innovative ideas, and dedication to PFD," West said.
Portland's fire department is more than 240 years old and has 211 sworn positions, according to the release, and it operates within a budget of roughly $22 million. Annually the department responds to 5,250 fire service calls and 13,800 EMS calls. Portland has 10 stations including the Air Rescue Station at the Portland International Jetport and another station on Peaks Island.
Specialty services provided by the Portland Fire Department include the following:
- Marine Rescue
- Heavy rescue and hazmat response services
- Runs a fire prevention program
- Conducts fire investigations
- Staffs a mobile medical outreach program (supporting the unhouse population) and more
- Houses the city's Emergency Management Program
For access to the recruitment brochure click here.
Qualified individuals can apply by clicking here.
