Buxton’s newest new fire chief began work Monday.

Larry W. Straffin, appointed by Buxton selectmen last week, is the town’s third chief in 17 months. Jim Graves resigned Aug. 29, after less than a year on the job. Jeff Grinnell resigned in July 2006 after seven years.

“I look forward to working with the firefighters and serving the citizens of Buxton,” Straffin said Tuesday.

Straffin, 56, was selected from a field of numerous candidates for the job.

“He possesses the qualifications we were looking for in training, leadership and expertise,” said Jean Harmon, chairwoman of Buxton selectmen.

Before being named Buxton’s chief, Straffin was deputy fire chief in North Berwick and assistant chief of training at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. He has 35 years in the fire service. He also previously had served as a first lieutenant in Rochester, N.H. Harmon said Straffin was highly recommended.

He and his wife, Barbara, and a 16-year-old grandaughter plan to relocate eventually to Buxton from North Berwick. He now commutes daily.

Straffin applied for the Buxton chief’s job because he likes the small-town, rural atmosphere.

The salary for the chief’s position was set at $46,800 by voters in town meeting this year. Buxton also supplies the chief with a car.

Straffin has three deputy chiefs in Buxton, which has stations in Bar Mills, Chicopee and Groveville.