LEWISTON — Brian Stockdale, hired in June as Lewiston’s new fire chief, will be officially sworn in during a ceremony at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 27, at City Hall.

Stockdale is coming to Lewiston after serving seven years as fire and rescue chief in Topsham. He was chosen as part of a national search that resulted in 32 applicants. 

He’s replacing Fire Chief Paul LeClair, who was named the Lewiston-Auburn 911 Communications Center director in March.

Stockdale, a Boston native, began his fire service career in Hope Mills, North Carolina, where he left as a shift supervisor-captain. After relocating to Maine, he served as a firefighter and paramedic in Brunswick, was chairman of the Department of Medical Assisting at Southern Maine Community College, then took the chief’s position in Topsham, according to a news release.

Stockdale said in a June announcement of his appointment that he’s “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.” 

City Administrator Ed Barrett, who was part of a five-person hiring panel, said Stockdale impressed them “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.” 

The hiring panel also included LeClair, City Councilor Shane Bouchard, Police Chief Brian O’Malley, and International Association of Firefighters Local 785 President Rick Cailler.

Stockdale is also a registered nurse and has worked at several hospitals, including MaineGeneral, Mid Coast Hospital, and the Shriners Hospital for Children in Boston. He’s a certified paramedic and holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership. An Army veteran, he has also served in the Army Reserve. 

Stockdale’s first day is Thursday. His initial salary will be $92,977.

A reception will immediately follow the ceremony in the City Council chamber at 27 Pine St.