South Portland officials said Wednesday that interim Fire Chief Philip Selberg has been hired to be the department’s next chief.

The city announced the hire Wednesday, just a week before Selberg will take over. Selberg has been serving as interim fire chief since former chief James Wilson retired on Feb. 3.

Chief Philip Selburg Photo courtesy of City of South Portland

“The South Portland Fire Department has some of the most talented and caring providers in the industry, and I am grateful to have been selected to be their next chief,” Selberg said in a statement.

Selberg’s career with the department began in 1998. He became deputy fire chief in 2018 and was placed in charge of training and special operations.

The city said that Selberg was selected from a field of 28 applicants. Four finalists were invited to interview.

“We had excellent candidates to select from, and Chief Selberg rose to the top,” City Manager Scott Morrelli said.

Selberg holds a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Maine, a B.S. in Applied Technical Leadership from the University of Southern Maine, and an A.A.S. degree in Fire Science Technology from Southern Maine Technical College (now SMCC).

Selberg will be paid an annual salary of $114,899. He will be sworn in May 18 at 3 p.m. at the South Portland Community Center.

 The department consists of 73 employees and 31 call company members. Its annual operating budget is over $6 million. The department staffs three fire stations on a 24/7 basis.


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