Flowers at the First Annual Maine Flower Show Last March at Thompson’s Point.

Assistant Fire Department Chief Keith Gautreau has been appointed to serve as Interim Fire Chief for Portland until a permenant Fire Chief is appointed according to a press release from the city’s spokeswoman.  Gautreau will be replacing Fire Chief David Jackson, who is retiring at the end of this month following 27 years of service in Portland.

Gautreau has been asked to conduct a complete assessment of the fire department to assist in its modernization.  Police chief Michael Sauschuck will assist Gautreau in this effort.

Gautreau’s career with the Portland Fire Department began in 1995.  He received the Robert B. Ganley Public Service Award presented annually two years ago. (Ganley was a former city manager who died unexpectedly.) His salary will be $106,000 as Interim Chief.  The press release from the city did not say what Jackson’s salary is.

Please see post dated March 6, 2018 for more background on the subject.