By Alex Malm
For the second time in his short tenure, Londonderry Town Manager, Mike Malaguti, will need to select a new chief.
Earlier this month, during the Town Council meeting on Aug. 14, longtime Fire Chief, Darren O’Brien, announced he would be retiring.
So who will be the next fire chief?
Malaguti in an email to the Londonderry Times on Aug. 27 said the fire chief position was posted for internal positions on Aug. 15, which closed on Aug. 30.
He said he expects to pick someone who currently works for the department, but isn’t sure who may be interested in taking over the chief role.
“While I do not know who will ultimately apply for this important position, I have every expectation that Londonderry’s new fire chief will come from within the department’s ranks,” Malaguti said.
In terms of when the decision will be made, Malaguti said “I intend to move swiftly to conduct interviews and nominate Chief O’Brien’s successor for confirmation by the Town Council.”
Two names that are on the list of candidates are Deputy Chief, Bo Butler, and Deputy Chief, Fred Heinrich.
Both have served the department for a number of years, and Bo is the son of Town Councilor, Jim Butler.
Last Fall, Malaguti named Kim Bernard as police chief following the retirement of Bill Hart. Bernard previously served as deputy police chief.
The Fire Department, as well as town staff, is scheduled to have a farewell celebration for O’Brien on Friday afternoon, Sept. 1, at Central Fire Station.