SANFORD – When Sanford Fire Chief Steve Benotti walked into Central Station one morning earlier this week, his coworkers quickly noticed something different – he had shaved his head.
Benotti has done so to support his department’s Assistant Chief, Steve Cutter, who was diagnosed with glioblastoma, a type of cancer, late last year.
Cutter, who joined Sanford Fire Department as assistant chief in 2014 after retiring as chief of the Newburyport, Massachusetts Fire Department, has been receiving treatment for his condition and recently began losing his hair.
“I said when he gets to this point, I’ll do the same thing,” said Benotti, who is now sporting the bald look. “I came into work, and the staff took the ball and ran with it.”
He said Acting Assistant Chief Brian Watkins came to him and said there were six people lined up, “ready for haircuts.”
There was the staff from A shift, some call firefighters, and even a retiree.
“We’re calling it “Cuts for Cutter,” to show support,” said Benotti, who said he figured those on the department’s other shifts would likely soon decide to go bald, as well.
Acting Capt. Eric Beecher was among those submitting to the razor.
“I haven’t had a shaved head since I was in college 15 years ago,” he said. “It was a spontaneous event on A shift. We’re doing to to support Assistant Chief Cutter. And we eagerly anticipate his return.”
The firefighters sent photos to the assistant chief to boost Cutter’s spirits.
Firefighter-paramedic Jarrett Clarke said it is common to see Assistant Chief Cutter at a fire scene.
“(He) not only assumes command of some of Sanford’s largest incidents, but (is) right along side of us, air-pack and tools in hand,” said Clarke. “Today we adopt a new hashtag and our first #cutsforcutter.”
Benotti said Cutter is looking forward to getting back to work.
“The men and women here miss him and we’re showing support in what ways we can,” said Benotti. “We’re looking forward to his return. He’s a big part of what makes this place operate on a daily basis.”
— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 780-9016 or [email protected].
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