Freeport Fire Chief Darrel Fournier will retire May 6.

Fournier’s announcement, made Tuesday to the Town Council , marks the third time a department head with more than three decades of service has announced retirement in the last two months. Freeport Community Library’s librarian, Beth Emonds – replaced recently by Arlene Arris – began work at the old Bartol Library in 1981. Police Chief Gerald Schofield, who will retire on March 25, has 39 years of service.

Fournier, 60, joined the force in 1974, and when promoted to chief in 1983, he also became the town’s first full-time firefighter. Fournier left to become fire chief in Waterville from 1990-99, then returned to his old position in Freeport.

Fournier said he hopes the notice given will give the town time to hire a replacement he can help train.

This past December, Fournier returned to work following nearly 11 months on unpaid leave to recuperate from shoulder surgery.

The shoulder had nothing to do with his decision to retire, Fournier said.

“You always think about retirement when you’re my age,” he said. “I’m at a good point, financially, and it’s time to go. I can go out and retire comfortably and spend more time with my five grandchildren.”