MADAWASKA, Maine — Kris Albert, a paramedic and firefighter who has served the town for more than 14 years, is the new chief of the Madawaska Fire Department.
He started in the role on Tuesday following approval by the Madawaska Select Board.
Town officials did not immediately respond to requests seeking his salary.
Albert’s appointment comes less than a month after longtime Fire Chief Jim Soucy retired on Dec. 31, having served 22 years in the department and 13 as its head. Albert takes over from Deputy Fire Chief Mark Daigle, who served in the interim after Soucy’s retirement.
“I’ve personally worked with him for the 14 years he was a firefighter and think he will make a great chief,” said Select Board chair Jason Boucher, who also works as a firefighter.
Prior to being named chief, Albert served as the department’s captain.
The chief position is part-time, which will allow him to continue working as a paramedic, Boucher said.
“Kris is known for his strong work ethic, calm leadership under pressure, and his ability to bring new and innovative ideas to the table,” Boucher stated in a fire department post on social media. “His vision for the department includes continued training, modernization, teamwork, and a focus on keeping both our firefighters and residents safe.”
Albert’s experience will give him a unique perspective on emergency response, patient care and interdepartmental coordination, Boucher wrote, and added that Albert’s dual position will help strengthen collaboration with local emergency departments.
Like Albert, Fort Kent Fire Chief Cole Pelletier also wears multiple hats. Pelletier, when he became chief in 2024, served simultaneously as the town’s police sergeant and code enforcement officer.
Albert was not immediately available for comment.