Cape Elizabeth Town Hall Maxen Ryder

Deputy Fire Chief Steve Young will become chief of the Cape Elizabeth Fire and Rescue Department on July 1. Tiffany Karnes will become the principal of Pond Cove Elementary School.

Young has been with the fire department since 1982, when he was 16 years old, and started on Engine Co. 2. In 1985, Young was promoted to lieutenant of Engine Co 2. In 2009, Young was promoted to deputy chief. Young has also served Cape Elizabeth as a bus driver and transportation director for the school department. Young was also a full-time firefighter for the Portland Fire Department for 28 years.

Young will take over from current Chief Peter Gleeson, who is retiring on June 30 after 47 years of service. The Cape Elizabeth Fire and Rescue Department will celebrate Gleeson’s retirement as well as swearing in Young on June 30.

According to school officials, Karnes was chosen by an extensive hiring process to become the next principal of Pond Cove Elementary School. Karnes is from Oxford, where she was principal of Oxford Elementary School for nine years. She has been working in education for 24 years.

“We believe that she will bring her passion, vision, and drive to lead our staff and students with integrity, courage, and kindness that we were privy to during the interview process,” wrote Superintendent of Schools Christopher Record in an announcement letter.

In a special school board meeting on May 23, the board unanimously voted in support of the hiring.