SOUTH THOMASTON — This past Tuesday, three firefighters resigned at once from the South Thomaston Fire Department. However, according to Deputy Chief David Elwell, morale is great and the support within the department, mutual aid departments, and the community has been tremendous this past week.

“I am looking forward to the future of this department,” said Elwell.

On Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022, Select Board members went into Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter. The Board then authorized Select Board Chair John Spear to initiate a “personnel action consistent with discussion held in executive session,” according to the Select Board meeting minutes for that day.

On the same day, longtime fire chief Bryan Calderwood was placed on Administrative Leave while the Town investigated a complaint that was drawn against him. A week later, he showed up to the Dec. 13 Select Board meeting and announced his resignation, effective immediately. At the same time, Calderwood’s son and another firefighter also resigned.

Though the Administrative Leave became moot when Calderwood abruptly resigned, Spear said that the Town must still remain cognizant about balancing a private personnel matter with the public’s right to know.

However, Spear shared that the transition of leadership from Calderwood to Elwell is going smoothly, with Calderwood passing along any emails that are being sent to him. Calderwood has also met with Elwell to help Elwell assume the role as Interim Fire Chief.

STFD will be having discussions with the Select Board to make sure the transition is the best for the department and town, according to Elwell. 

Still, “due to being a well trained department, and also due to the incident command structure we have in place, we are able to keep the department moving in a positive forward pace,” he said. “The department will move forward with no disruptions.”

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com