LEWISTON — Topsham Fire and Rescue Chief Brian Stockdale has been hired as the city’s newest fire chief.

According to a written statement from City Administrator Ed Barrett, Stockdale will begin work on July 27.

Stockdale, a native of Boston, began his career in the fire service in the town of Hope Mills, North Carolina, where he progressed to the rank of captain, according to Barrett.  After relocating to Maine, he served as a firefighter-paramedic for Brunswick, was chair of the Department of Medical Assisting at Southern Maine Community College and, for the last seven years, has been the fire and rescue chief in Topsham.

He is a registered nurse and has worked in that capacity at several hospitals, including Maine General, Mid Coast, and the Shriners Burn Hospital in Boston.  According to the statement, in addition to his nursing degree, Stockdale is a certified Maine paramedic and holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership. 

He is an Army veteran and has also served in the Army Reserve.  He is on the boards of directors of the Maine State Fire Chief’s Association and the American Red Cross Midcoast Region, and has served in the past on the Maine Board of Emergency Medical Services.

According to the statement, Stockdale was selected after a nationwide search that attracted 32 applicants.  A hiring panel composed of the city administrator, Councilor Shane Bouchard, Police Chief Brian O’Malley, retired Fire Chief Paul LeClair and International Association of Firefighters Local 785 President Rick Cailler conducted interviews with the finalists for the position.

According to Barrett’s statement, “Brian impressed the interview panel based on his varied experiences, strength in strategic planning, emphasis on training, management and leadership abilities, and passion for the fire service.  All of us look forward to working with him as he takes on this new challenge.” 

When accepting the appointment, according to the statement, Stockdale said “I am honored and excited to assume this new role.  I look forward to working with the fine men and women of the Lewiston Fire Department and to serving the community of Lewiston.”

Stockdale will begin work on July 27 and will be relocating to Lewiston. His  initial salary will be $92,977.