Plummer, 59, of Biddeford, was arrested on May 7. He is accused of starting a brush and woods fire on April 15 that spanned about 40 acres near Jones Creek. The fire took about 100 firefighters from several communities two hours to extinguish, and threatened nearby residential housing.
Plummer began as fire chief in September 2014, and had been put on administrative leave after his arrest. Town Councilor Kenneth Blow confirmed in an email this morning that Plummer has since resigned from the position.
Town Manager Larry Mead said at Tuesday night’s town council meeting that the town plans to begin advertising for a new fire chief this week.
The Town Council unanimously voted to appoint Old Orchard Beach resident William Farley as the interim fire chief.
Farley is a veteran of more than 45 years of fire service in Old Orchard Beach and Falmouth, said Mead – he served in Falmouth for more than 30 years, including two years as the district chief, two years as part-time departmental chief, and 12 years as deputy chief.
Farley has been a member of the Old Orchard Beach call force for 16 years, and has served as a lieutenant for five years, said Mead.
“Chief Farley is well regarded within our Old Orchard Beach Fire Department for his knowledge, experience and dedication,” said Mead.
Mead said Farley also brings business experience to the table, having owned and operated Radio Communications Management for many years.
“My agenda is simple… it is to support the department and to keep things running smoothly,” said Farley to the town council Tuesday night.
He said the town has a great team of professionals that will continue to provide the same standard of quality service.
“We have all experienced this bump in the road, but we will be better for it,” he said. “I will do all that I can to help in the smooth transition.”
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.
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