PHIPPSBURG

Being a faithful community contributor seems to run in the family for Phippsburg Fire Chief James “Jimma” Totman, who retired from his position in June after 22 years of service.

“I just thought it was time to step down and let someone else in. They’ve got more different ideas,” he said on a recent Wednesday morning.

Totman grew up watching his father and brothers work at Phippsburg Volunteer Fire and Rescue before joining at the age of 15, back when the department was located by Bisson’s Center Store in Phippsburg and the town’s “fire truck” was actually an old telephone truck strapped with pumps and tanks built by volunteers.

“Actually, I used to follow my father around when I was about 10 years old,” Totman said. “I’d be in the car and go with him.”

He recalled that his parents and his siblings were always “doing stuff for the town for years,” a habit he also picked up.

In addition to the years of work he dedicated to the fire department, Totman has also held other positions in town, serving on the road committee, the historical society and the budget committee. He also helped put together the town’s memorial park 10 years ago.

“I just enjoy doing things for the town,” Totman said.

However, Totman is not ready to give up his work with the fire department just yet, and has been serving as assistant chief to Andy Hart, Totman’s son-inlaw and Phippsburg’s new fire chief.

Totman said he wants to stay because of the community members.

“My years here as chief — the townspeople have always helped when we needed them. That’s one thing that’s kept me here is the support,” he said.

“I have very good relations with all my people and … all the other departments. The townspeople are very good supporters of us. Both residents and nonresidents — summer people,” he added. “They support us very good and that’s a big thing … and the selectmen have always been behind me.”

One of the biggest challenges the department faces is getting more volunteers, as training takes roughly six months and requires a lot of commitment, which can be difficult if you have family, said Totman.

While Totman said his family was always supportive of his duties, he noted there were countless times he would have to leave in the middle of special occasions, including weddings and funerals. He said his cellphone is always on 24-hours a day.

“I will say my family’s had to give a lot (because) I’m on call a lot,” he said. “I was in charge, so I felt like I had to be here. That’s what it’s always been.”

Totman said he would even close his business Pine Service Center, a service station and auto repair shop, if things got too busy.

Despite these challenges, the department is in the process of adding an addition to the current building, which will include two new offices, bathrooms and an expanded kitchen, said Totman.

With about 250 calls this year so far, he predicted it wouldn’t be too long before there would be sleeping quarters and other facilities for volunteers at the station.

As for Totman, he plans on staying as long as he can.

“I’m not ready to give up,” he said.

There will be a retirement celebration to honor Totman on Sunday from 1-4 p.m. at the Phippsburg Fire Station at 1060 Main Road. A short ceremony will be at 1:30 p.m.

IN ADDITION to being in the fire department, James Totman has held other positions in Phippsburg, serving on the road committee, the historical society and the budget committee.