Bangor Fire Chief Thomas Higgins told city staff this week he plans to retire.
Higgins, who became fire chief in 2015, notified City Manager Debbie Laurie of his retirement this week, said city spokesperson David Warren. Higgins’ last day is Sept. 27.
The Bangor native spent 34 years with the fire department. Warren said he could not confirm Higgins’ age because of confidentiality of personnel records under state law. Higgins didn’t respond to a request for comment.
Higgins was named Fire Chief of the Year by the Maine Fire Chiefs’ Association in 2018, in part for the leadership he showed during a wind storm that knocked out power for a week, and for positive changes he brought to the department.
“My career has been focused on a leadership position in the fire service, and I look forward to ensuring that Bangor residents are provided with outstanding fire and emergency medical services,” Higgins said when he was promoted to chief.
Before joining Bangor fire, Higgins worked as the Hermon fire chief for six years.
