Bucksport has a new deputy fire chief, completing a full turnover of leadership in its emergency services departments.
The Town Council promoted Capt. Joseph Wardwell to the role Thursday. He will be sworn in and begin at the start of 2027, when longtime deputy chief Michael Denning retires.
“I’m very excited to be able to recommend this promotion,” Town Manager Jacob Gran said before the council’s unanimous approval. “I’m very proud of our leadership staff and proud of the town of Bucksport and the fact that we have very qualified individuals … with the knowledge and expertise, willing to step into these leadership roles.”
Bucksport’s three public safety leaders are its deputy fire chief, deputy police chief and public safety director, who oversees the town’s police and fire departments. All three new leaders were appointed this year.
Public Safety Director David Winchester, previously Bucksport’s deputy police chief, was appointed in September to replace Sean Geagan, who retired in July after 37 years to become coordinator of student behavior and school safety at the local school district, RSU 25. Daniel Harlan was promoted last month to Winchester’s former role.
“We’ve seen a lot of these internal promotions and I think that’s really a testament to our team,” Gran said Thursday, also referencing Public Works Director Matt Pierce, who replaced Jay Lanpher after his May departure.
