Mexico Fire Chief Richard Jones addresses selectmen Aug. 21 about the need to hire a full-time firefighter to replace Paul Cayer, who has retired. (Bruce Farrin/Rumford Falls Times)

MEXICO — Four candidates for a full-time position with the Fire Department are being interviewed by a town committee, according to Selectman Richie Philbrick.

Fire Chief Richard Jones told selectmen last week that his department is lacking its three full-timers because Paul Cayer retired and the other two are on sick leave.

“We’ve been very fortunate to cover shifts with the people that we’ve got,” Jones said. “Right now, all the shifts are covered through the end of September.”

The department advertised for one full-time position and received four applications from Mexico, and one each from Rumford, Peru, Sumner and Poland, Philbrick said.

The hiring committee includes Jones, firefighter Mat Theriault, Town Manager Jack Gaudet and Selectman Cliff Stewart and Philbrick. On Saturday, they narrowed the number of candidates to four and have begun interviews.

In other business at the Aug. 21 meeting, selectmen:

• Introduced veteran school teacher Marilla Couch of Mexico, the new town library administrator, who began work Wednesday. Her mother, Bunny Easter, was children’s librarian in Mexico during the 1980s;

• Awarded the heating oil contract to Fabian Oil of Jay for $2.3845 for 23,800 gallons. The town used about 20,000 gallons last year; and

• Awarded the winter sand bid to Jim Castonguay of Livermore for $8.75 per cubic yard for 3,500 cubic yards.

NOTE: Mat Theriault is spelled correctly

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