LEWISTON – A veteran firefighter will begin a new assignment today as a Lewiston Fire Department lieutenant working out of the Main Street station.

John M. Cloutier will begin filling a vacancy that resulted when Lt. Bruce McKay was promoted to battalion chief.

Cloutier has served for 19 years with the department, including 15 years as a paramedic. In addition, Cloutier is taking classes at Southern Maine Community College to obtain a fire science and para-medicine degree.

Throughout his firefighting career, Cloutier has been assigned to Central Station working on both Engine 7 and Ladder 1, as well as at Sabattus Street station on Engine 4.

Cloutier also serves as a station representative for the Lewiston Fire Firefighters Association Local 785 and is a member of the Lewiston Fire Department Honor and Color Guard. He has two children, Daniel and Emilie, and resides in Lewiston with his fiancée, Jill Pleau.