Plymouth announces new deputy fire chief; select board backs study and fundraising to refurbish historic Engine 1

At a select board meeting, town officials announced the hiring of Dan Doucette as deputy fire chief and the board approved a motion to support a Plymouth Firemen—s Association proposal to study and fundraise for refurbishment of the town—s retired Engine 1.

Town Manager Scott said Dan Doucette of Northfield, New Hampshire, has been hired after interviews on Jan. 15 and will start on Feb. 18. "Dan has spent the last 18 years in the fire and EMS service, most recently with Laconia Fire Department," Scott said. The board said Doucette will be introduced at the select board meeting on Feb. 24.

Separately, the Plymouth Firemen—s Association told the board it wishes to refurbish the old Engine 1, which the association said it understands is town property. The association requested the board—s formal approval to study refurbishment options and to begin fundraising for the work. The association said some vendors specialize in antique-apparatus restoration and fundraising would be their preferred funding path.

A board member moved to support the initiative to restore Engine 1 as described; the motion was seconded and the board voted in favor. The meeting transcript recorded the motion and the board's assent but did not record named votes or a roll call tally.

Context and next steps: staff and board members noted restoration could be costly and will require vendor cost estimates. The association and staff said fundraising would be used to cover refurbishment expenses and staff indicated they would follow up with a more detailed plan and contractors to outline options and costs. The board asked staff to report back on vendor outreach and fundraising progress.