BIDDEFORD — Deputy Fire Chief Scott Gagne will become the city’s permanent fire chief if the City Council approves his promotion tonight.

Gagne, who has been with the Biddeford Fire Department for 22 years and is currently acting chief, is expected to be appointed by Mayor Alan Casavant for the council’s approval.

“I’m not sure how City Council will respond, because there have been a lot of mixed feelings,” Gagne said Monday.

Hiring Gagne as chief has been a point of contention among city councilors since his name was put forward by the city’s fire commission last fall. Some councilors have expressed interest in hiring a new chief, while others would rather see a joint chief between Biddeford and Saco.

A third option weighed by city officials – hiring a public safety director to oversee the police, fire and code enforcement departments for either Biddeford or for both cities – was shot down in a meeting between the council and police and fire commissions last June.

If the council approves, Gagne says he would work to make improvements as BFD moves forward.

“We’re a very busy city,” Gagne said. “We need to look at staffing. Many times, we’re relying on mutual aid … to the point where our resources are expended.”

Gagne said the department may need to be expanded as development continues along the coast.

“With the growth in the city there, we will be seeing more calls,” he said, also noting there were 5,400 calls in Biddeford last year.

Gagne also hopes to oversee the implementation of a third ambulance for emergency medical services. There were 1,700 calls for the city’s second ambulance last year, and there is a need for more emergency medical coverage, he said.

Additionally, Gagne noted there will be a large staff turnover in the coming years as officers retire or fill other city positions. If his appointment is approved, Gagne hopes to implement officer training programs to help find qualified individuals to fill those roles as they become available.

“It’s been a long, complicated road because the council looks at many options that could potentially be better,” Gagne said. “I think that having a fire chief for this department right now is the right option.”

Gagne said both the fire commission and BFD personnel have been supportive of him during his time as acting chief, which he said has been difficult. He said he is excited at the opportunity to become the permanent fire chief, because it is the right time for BFD and the city as a whole.

“We need some permanent answer as to what direction we’re going in,” Gagne said, referring to his department. “We need to set the tone at a permanent level, and I think the department understands we’re at that level now.”

Casavant was not immediately available for comment at press time. However, he has in the past voiced his support for hiring a permanent fire chief for the city, telling the Journal Tribune in January that he is “ready to appoint a fire chief, to be honest.”

— Staff Writer Alan Bennett can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 329 or abennett@journaltribune.com