Turner board to interview rescue chief candidates

TURNER — Selectmen will interview candidates for rescue chief during an executive session at 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11.

The board is expected to meet in open session at about 6:30 p.m. for further action on the matter, Town Manager Kurt Schaub said.

After a lengthy executive session this past Monday, the board unanimously agreed to pursue hiring a chief with paramedic certification.

Under the plan, Turner Rescue will continue to be a town department.

The person chosen will replace Laurel Gagne, who resigned June 30. She was with Turner Rescue when it was founded in 1978.

Since her departure, selectmen have been evaluating ways to provide emergency medical services, including “contracting with an outside service and/or joining forces with a service in a neighboring community,” Schaub said. They have also considered hiring a chief with paramedic certification, which is a higher level of expertise than the town currently has.

During this week’s executive session, the board reviewed resumes and applications solicited in July. In open session, they decided to seek someone for the position. There are four finalists.

Also at next week’s meeting, the board will make a final decision on roadside mowing and discuss how to handle town waste, including bulky waste and recycling. Schaub said the board will consider several options on waste disposal, including a single-sort system.