POLAND – After 10 years as a Poland firefighter, Mark Bosse has been named chief.

The 35-year-old professional, once the rural department’s only full-time staffer, succeeds his former chief, Willie Rice.

Rice retired last month after a fall broke his ankle. The veteran firefighter had already completed a long career in Chesterfield County, Va., when he came to Maine in late 2003.

“He felt it was time,” Bosse said of his mentor’s decision to leave. “He definitely gave me a good education.”

Part of that education was learning what works.

“I’m not going to make earth-shattering changes,” Bosse said Tuesday. “I’m hoping to provide continuity. This is a young department.”

During Rice’s tenure, the department was reshaped to include the fire and rescue departments.

It also grew. The department now includes five staff in all: the chief, two firefighters/emergency medical technicians and two firefighters/paramedics.

Bosse’s job is to insure that the department keeps offering solid protection to people across the growing town.

“Building permits are still coming in,” he said. “Houses are going up.”

And in summers, when the population swells with tourists and seasonal residents, the demand for fire and rescue services rises more.

“I’m up to the challenge,” Bosse said.

The newlywed bought a home in Poland and plans to serve the town for a long time, he said.

“I want people to know I have an open-door policy,” Bosse said. “Come talk to me.”