Cournoyer becomes interim Grafton fire chief at start of the year

On January 1, 2022,  Paul Cournoyer has a new title to add to his Grafton resume: interim fire chief.

The Select Board unanimously approved the selection of Cournoyer to take over the duties of Fire Chief Mickey Gauthier upon his retirement at the end of the year. In addition to being one of three fire captains in the department, Cournoyer is also the director of the Department of Public Works and tree warden..

Earlier this month, the board was approached by Gauthier and the town’s three fire captains — Cournoyer, Rick Allain, and Robert Egan — along with supporting members of the fire department with a proposal to appoint Cournoyer as interim chief rather than seek someone from out of town. Town Administrator Evan Brassard said he spoke with both Cournoyer, as well as the town’s labor counsel,

Compensation for the role has not been set, but the contract will “sunset” on June 30, 2022 with the hope that a new fire chief will be in place. Like the new chief, Cournoyer will serve as a “strong chief,” answering to the Select Board rather than the town administrator, and having the power to hire, fire, and make other decisions.

The board also decided to bring on a new Fire Chief Search Committee of just five members. They agreed Brassard should be a member, but no members of the previous committee will be appointed — including Police Chief Normand Crepeau — and only one member of the fire department will be involved.

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