Willing to listen, ready to serve; the words Wayne Thorburne has followed since becoming fire chief. The saying carries new weight as the 65-year-old has decided to step aside as chief and fulfill his new role on town council. Thorburne has been fire chief for almost eight years, and has spent close to 40 years as a member of the Bridgewater Fire Department. He says he's enjoyed his time as chief.
Thorburne says he will become a regular firefighter, once a new chief is elected, until his planned retirement in June. Deputy Chief Michael Nauss has been nominated to replace Thorburne as chief while Captain Andy Wentzell has been nominated to take over as deputy chief. A decision is expected December 10.
