Mooney will retire as Gilford fire chief

For the first time in 26 years the town is in need of a new fire chief. Tuesday morning, Mile Mooney notified the Board of Fire Engineers that he will be retiring on Sept. 30.

Later, Chairman Bill Akerley said the board would meet again on Friday in order to begin the process of developing a strategy for finding a replacement for Mooney. He predicted the board would "most likely" follow the same course that has been used to fill other vacancies in the fire department — conduct a regional (New England) search that would be administered by the NH Fire Academy.

Under this scenario, Akerley said, all candidates — including applications for the job from within the Fire Department — would be filtered by the academy based on criteria set up by the Board of Engineers. Only a group of "finalists" would reach the board for the interview stage.

Jim Hayes, a 24-year veteran of the department, is currently deputy chief and John Beland, with 21-years of service, is the captain.

Overcome at times by the emotion of the moment, Mooney slowly read aloud his letter of resignation for the board and firefighters who were present yesterday. When he finished the people in the room stood as one and applauded him.

Mooney said that although he had attained a position of leadership during his 41-years in the fire service, nothing made him prouder than to be considered a firefighter. "I have realized my life's dream," he said, "and pray that you may also accomplish yours."

In addressing the members of his department, Mooney called them men who "understand adversity and conquer it". "I admire you because of you selfless dedication," he added. "I will never forget my beloved Gilford Fire-Rescue."

In addition to Mooney, Hayes and Beland, the Fire Department consists of three lieutenants and eight permanent firefighters. There are also 16 "on call" volunteer firefighters.

The three-member Board of Fire Engineers has the responsibility of providing civil oversight for the department. Phillip Brouillard and Mark LaBonte are the other two elected engineers.