Chief Shawn Esler
Waterville Fire-Rescue

The Maine Fire Chiefs’ Association congratulates Fire Chief Esler, his family, and the City of Waterville on his recent award. Chief Esler received the 2023 Maine Fire Chief of the Year Award and recognition for his outstanding service to the Maine Fire Chiefs’ Association. Please join both the membership and the Board of Directors in congratulating him on these accomplishments.

Previous Award Winners

• • 2022 – Chief Darrell White, City of Presque Isle
    
    
  • 2021 – Chief Michael Robitaille, Town of Yarmouth

• • 2020 – Chief John Duross, City of Saco

• • 2019 – Chief William Gillespie, Town of Liberty

• • 2018 – Chief Thomas Higgins, City of Bangor

• • 2017 – Chief Scott Susi, City of Caribou

• • 2016 – Chief Kenneth Brillant, Town of Brunswick

• • 2015 – Chief B. Michael Thurlow, Town of Scarborough (Retired)

• • 2014 – Chief Charles Hammond, Town of Windham (Retired)

• • 2013 – Chief Roger Audette, Augusta

• • 2012 – Chief Gary Petley, Clinton

• • 2011 – Chief Stephen Nichols, Sr., Kennebunk

• • 2010 – Chief Kevin Guimond, South Portland

• • 2009 – None

• • 2008 – Chief Kenneth Dixon, Andover

• • 2007 – Chief William Hussey, Peru

• • 2006 – Chief Jeff Cammack, Bangor

• • 2005 – Raymond Parent, Sanford

• • 2004 – William St. Michel, Durham

• • 2003 – Michel A Lajoie, Lewiston

• • 2002 – Darrel Fournier, Freeport

• • 2001 – Lyle Chadwick, Burnham

• • 2000 – Larry Bradley, Augusta (Deceased)

• • 1999 – Norman Cyr, Madawaska

• • 1998 – Robert McCleery, Farmington (Retired)

• • 1997 – Clifton Smith, Auburn (Retired)

• • 1996 – Roy E Woods, Caribou

• • 1995 – Jethro Pease, Morrill

• • 1994 – Channel Bouchard, Van Buren (Retired)

• • 1993 – Robert Butters, Norway

• • 1992 – Philip McGouldrick, South Portland

Nomination Criteria

• • Nominee shall be a current member of the Maine Fire Chiefs’ Association (for three years) or recently approved life member (within the last 12 months).

• • Nominee must have at least three years experience as a Chief.
  • Nominee can be a past Award recipient.

• • Nominee must be actively involved in, but not limited to, the following:
  •      Fire prevention education on at least a local level
  •      Training and safety improvement with their department
  •      Local community involvement (non-fire service)
  •      Serving on Maine Fire Chiefs’ Association committees or other fire related committees
  •      Assisting with legislative issues
  •      Attending the MFCA Annual Conference
  •      Regional Fire Service Organizations
  •      County Fire Service Organizations
  •      State Fire Service Organizations
  •      National Fire Service Organization Membership
    
  • Nominee shall be recognized as a leader in the Fire Service by their peers.
  • Nominee shall emphasize leadership, innovation, professional development and integrity, service to the public and contributions to the fire service as a whole.

Nomination Procedures

• • Nominations shall be accepted from any municipal official or any fire related local, regional, county, state, national organization, or any MFCA member can nominate another member.

• • Nominations shall be accompanied by supporting documents. Nomination packets are scored based only on the materials submitted. Please submit a thorough and accurate nomination packet including all necessary information and documentation. 

• • A selection committee shall be appointed consisting of the following:
  •      Two Past-Presidents of M.F.C.A.
  •      Two past recipients
  •      One municipal official (i.e., Mayor, Councilperson, Selectperson, etc.) from the previous Year’s recipient community or another available municipal official

The deadline and nomination form for 2024 Chief of the Year nominations will be posted soon.