OLD ORCHARD BEACH — Fire Capt. John Fitzpatrick will serve as interim fire chief beginning July 1, while the town searches for a new fire chief.

Fire Chief John Glass announced his retirement earlier this year, and will be working through the end of this month.

Glass said in an interview in April that he has worked for the town for more than 17 years, and became fire chief in 1998 when the public safety administration structure changed and the position was created.

“I’ve been at this game 30-some-odd years,” said Glass. “It’s time to hang up the old fire hat.”

Town Manager Larry Mead announced last week in a prepared statement that he had asked Fitzpatrick to serve as interim.

Fitzpatrick has been with the Old Orchard Beach Fire Department since 1998, according to the Mead. He served as deputy chief for one year and returned to the rank of captain when the deputy chief position was eliminated.

“Capt. Fitzpatrick is well-respected, and it is very much appreciated that he is willing to take on this additional assignment,” Mead said.

A new fire chief must be approved by the town council.

The town manager expects to conduct interviews soon for the fire chief position, and hopes to have a candidate for the town council to consider in August.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].