WASHBURN, Maine — Troy Heald made his last appearance as the community’s fire chief during the annual town meeting, held March 18 at the Washburn District High School.
Town Manager Bev Turner made the announcement at the meeting, thanking Heald for his many years of service.
“Nate Allen has been appointed chief, following Troy’s departure,” said Turner.
Heald isn’t entirely leaving the department, merely stepping back from the demands of the leadership role. He said other aspects of his life, including family and his full-time job as branch manager of the F.A. Peabody office in Caribou, and his newest endeavor as pastor of the Caribou United Baptist Church, require more of his time.
“I’ve been with F.A. Peabody for 14 years, 13 as branch manager. I couldn’t ask for better employers. They’ve been extremely gracious to me — allowed me to go and deal with emergencies. Likewise with the church, same thing. They trust I’ll do right by them. The Anderson family has been great to work for,” said Heald.
Heald has been with the church for over a year.
“I started filling in at the church the last Sunday in December 2012. In September 2013 I was asked to stay — asked to assume the pastor position. The church asked me to stay; it’s a privilege and honor to be doing that,” he said.
He said he’s not leaving the fire department, just stepping into a new role.
“I’ve given over 18 years to the Washburn Fire Department and have enjoyed my time there. I’m not leaving on bad terms. I just want to transition a bit — make myself more available to other things God’s calling me to,” Heald said. “I’m excited about the opportunities.”
Heald has served as chief to the WFD since 2008, when he took over duties formerly performed by Chief Arnie Devoe.
“It’s a good time to be leaving the department. Nate and I worked well together over the years. The department is in a good place to get along without me,” he said.
Heald said it’s the right time for he and his family to “go in a different direction.”
“Being a small town and living there, our DNA is there. I’ve always been active and involved wherever I’m at. I can’t just walk away; I’ll continue to be involved to some degree” with the WFD, said Heald.
“In my new role, I won’t be training or attending meetings. I’ll handle communications, serve as media contact, be there for families,” said Heald, noting his position with the department will be more like a fire department chaplain.
He said as chief he wasn’t able to address certain needs that arose during an emergency. Now he’ll be able to fill that void.
“I’ve seen in my role as chief many instances where people are at a loss and wondering ‘what do I do, who do I call.’ As chief, I had to concentrate on the task at hand. I dealt with the emergency but not the people. Now I can come in to call the Red Cross, arrange other things like housing and be there to help out. I still have the availability and desire to do that,” said Heald.
“It’s been a privilege to be there (WFD) all these years and where I grew up. It’s an honor to give back to some degree as well,” said Heald. “This also gives me more time with my family: my wife, Marcy, daughter, Hannah, and son, Martin.”
