SANFORD — A former Newburyport, Massachusetts fire chief with ties to Sanford has been named the city’s assistant fire chief.

Stephen J. Cutter is expected to start his new gig later this month.

He replaces Steve Benotti, who was named chief earlier this year upon the departure of Jeff Rowe, who is now Kennebunk’s fire chief.

Cutter joined the Newburyport Fire Department in 1978 and retired in February 2013, after being chief for more than 12 years.

Cutter, reached Wednesday by telephone, said he’s looking forward to his new job here, where he’ll be concentrating on fire and emergency medical operations. The assistant fire chief is also part of the department’s management team.

It will be a familiar locale for his wife, Paula, who, he said, is originally from Sanford. The couple will be moving to the area.

Cutter said when he retired from the Newburyport department, he thought he might get back into the fire service someday, and so when the Sanford post emerged, he applied. He said he’s known Benotti for a number of years.

“This is a great opportunity to continue in the fire service, and I’m looking forward to it,” he said.

Benotti was on vacation this week and could not be reached for comment.

Cutter was selected form a field of 19 applicants.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.