Orono council hires two part‑time firefighters as department shifts to consolidated duty model

The Orono City Council approved hiring two part‑time firefighters after a presentation by interim fire chief Shay (speaker 20). The recommended hires — Aiden Liebel and Cam Aslixson — were presented as qualified candidates with firefighting and emergency‑medical certifications. Shay told the council Orono’s staffing assessment concluded the department’s optimal part‑time roster is 12 firefighters to support the revised duty‑crew model; the hires aim to fill shortfalls and maintain coverage while the city coordinates operations with Long Lake Fire Department.

Shay described the selection process as including posting, screening, interviews and background checks. The recommended conditional offers include a start date of 05/28/2025, a starting pay rate of $20 per hour and enrollment in the police and fire defined‑benefit retirement plan; offers are contingent on background, psychological and physical exams. Councilor (speaker 11) moved to hire the candidates as recommended; the motion passed on a voice vote.

Council discussion touched on how the hires fit into a forthcoming consolidated duty‑crew model with Long Lake, planned duty‑crew hours (staff described weekday coverage from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.–4 p.m., with paid on‑call responses overnight and Sunday), and expectations that Orono part‑timers would be offered the opportunity to join the combined department when the consolidation is final.