Boothbay’s fire chief, Richard Spofford, is retiring from the job effective July 1 after 22 years as chief, 45 years and counting with the department. “It’s time for the others to move up,” he said. Spofford will remain active in the department, issuing burn permits, going out on calls, fighting fires and serving as forest warden after Assistant Fire Chief David Pratt takes over as chief.

Over a year ago, Spofford created a succession and transition plan in anticipation of stepping down as chief. “The town is in good shape with firemen. It will be well protected; we have great people.” Years ago, Spofford started a junior firefighter program, adding one to two volunteer firefighters each year. Today the department has about 30 firefighters, with a strong core of 16-20 who perform most of the work, he said.

Spofford has always had an interest in fighting fires and grew up helping around the department. He recalled from his youth, a former fire chief was friends with his father, and he had two uncles who were active department volunteers. “Back then you could help more with less training,” he said. “But now fires are hotter – technology, electronics, and the amount of plastics in an average home have increased causing fires to move faster.”

Spofford is proud of the department’s response time and thanks the community for being supportive to the firefighters who have to drop everything and rush to an emergency, or miss work, or close a road, and the municipalities that work collectively in times of need. “The town has always been very supportive. If we need anything, they provide it.” The mutual aid agreement with Boothbay Harbor, Southport and Edgecomb has been ideal, he added. “We all work great together.”

As Spofford reflected on his time fighting fires, the 2008 Washburn & Doughty fire stood out in his mind. “It was huge. We fought that fire for a week in all with support from the entire county and even some out-of-county help.”

“Loss of life always sticks with you – pets too, they’re part of a family,” he said. “I feel bad for our firemen because sometimes they see things they shouldn’t. We keep the junior firefighters away from fatalities, we don’t want that stuck in their minds.”

As he considers his achievements, Spofford is most proud of implementing the junior firefighter program as it keeps the pipeline of volunteer firefighters full and provides training for the next generation. A close second is his work in fire prevention. Spofford spoke of enjoying going to the elementary school each October to talk with Pre-K through second graders on fire safety and letting them play in the truck; and he spoke of the open house events at the fire station for the community to meet the firefighters and learn about fire preparedness. Partnering with the American Red Cross of Maine on a successful “Sound the Alarm” smoke detector installation initiative was another highlight.

While stepping back from being chief, Spofford does not foresee any additional free time. “I can do more on the other end,” he said. “There’s a lot of documentation work.”  

“He’s the most humble man you’ll ever meet. He’s a great mentor and a great leader,” said incoming chief Pratt about his predecessor.