PORTLAND — City Manager Mark Rees announced today that Deputy Fire Chief Stephen Smith will serve as acting chief upon the retirement of Chief Frederick LaMontagne on April 1.

Born and raised in Portland, Smith joined the fire department in 1975. In 2002, he was promoted from captain to deputy chief.

In 2008, Smith headed the department’s Hazardous Materials and Weapons of Mass Destruction Team. He led the department’s response to an ammonia leak in a residential neighborhood and a chemical spill at the wastewater treatment plant last fall.

“I am incredibly appreciative of Deputy Chief Smith’s willingness to lead the fire department through this transition,” stated City Manager Rees. “Steve brings more than 30 years of experience and a deep-held commitment to the city of Portland. He knows the department well and I am confident the community will benefit from his leadership over the coming months.”

LaMontagne announced in January that he will retire after 27 years with the fire department – 10 years as chief – to pursue new professional opportunities. LaMontagne is credited with fully integrating emergency medical services within the department, leading regionalization efforts for dispatch and 911 services, and spearheading emergency responses to a number of natural disasters.

Qualified candidates for fire chief are encouraged to submit applications to the city by April 6.