North Brookfield Selectmen accept fire chief's resignation, appoint three interim leaders

The North Brookfield Board of Selectmen on Dec. 2 accepted the resignation of Fire Chief Darren Anderson, effective Nov. 18, 2025, and approved interim leadership appointments for the department.

Speaker 1 read Anderson's resignation letter to the board and moved to accept it; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. The letter stated, in part, "I'm resigning from the position of chief in the North Brookfield Fire Department effective today, 11/18/2025. Thank you for the opportunity to lead the department. Respectfully, Darren Anderson." Board members thanked Anderson for his years of service.

Following the acceptance, the board voted to elevate three officers to interim roles for six months: Keith Marshall to fire chief, Thomas Bessette to deputy chief and Don Mailing to assistant fire chief. Speaker 1 said the temporary appointments would allow the officers time to cover new duties and for the board to work with them while they transition. The board praised recent administrative and billing work completed by department staff.

At the same meeting the board accepted a citation sent by the Town of Amherst commending North Brookfield and 31 other municipalities for mutual aid during a Nov. 7 fire at Olympia Drive in Amherst. The citation, signed by Paul Buckleman, town manager, and Lynn Greisemer, council president, thanked responders for protecting residents and coordinating shelter and support. A responding captain who attended the meeting recounted deploying an engine with five crew members, working extended shifts and assisting with hotspots and demolition staging at the scene.