WILTON – On Monday, at a work session, the Select Board accepted the resignation of Fire Chief Jim Cutler. A member of the department for 28 years, he has been chief for the past three. His last day will be May 10, the day he moves out of town, too far away to commute.

His resignation was accepted with regret, Board Chairman Kermit Williams said, “And with thanks for all the other things you’ve done, from serving on the governing board of (Milford Area Communications Center) to acting and directing in the Congregational Church dinner plays. You will be missed.”

The process for naming a new chief was discussed at some length. In the past, the Fire Department has nominated a successor, usually the Assistant Fire Chief, and that person was approved by the Select Board. But this time, Assistant Fire Chief Ron Caswell has declined the nomination and the third in line, Ron Nourse was hesitant.

“I’m flattered by the offer,” he said, “but I’m not sure I could fill the role because of my job. (The chief) is required to be available 24/7. In an emergency, I won’t be here.” He added, “We’re very short staffed and I can’t be there all the time. The process needs to be looked at as we move forward. There is a lot to do.”

After tabling the choosing of a new chief, the board discussed the

process.

Cutler said the chief has always been appointed on the recommendation of the retiring chief, “but the department has changed. It’s not volunteer any more. We have to consider if this should be a full-time position. It’s harder to get volunteers. As Don said, in an emergency, he won’t be available. We are getting to a point where we can’t count on volunteers. And there are requirements to be a firefighter, training, and that’s expensive and not a popular idea.”

It was agreed, however a chief is chosen, an interim is needed, somebody to be in charge. Nourse said he would consider that.

Williams asked, “You and Ron will carry on as you do now?”

They agreed they would.

There is also the question of the fire inspector, the person who checks boilers and other installation. Currently that is the fire chief. Town Administrator Paul Branscombe said an interim is needed since there are “quite a few inspections.”

Select Board Member Matt Fish said, “We should think about paying for an inspector. I would support at least a part-time, in-town, paid position (for chief).”

Nourse said all of that could be put into the job description.

Board Member Kellie-Sue Boissannault said the “position should be posted and see what what comes about.”

Cutler said he would be on the job until May 10. The discussion will be continued at the regular meeting of the board on Monday, May 6.

Cutler also served as the town representative to the governing board of Milford Area Communication Center. Police Chief Eric Olesen accepted that job with Sgt. John Frechette as alternate.