Bedford's New Fire Chief Looks Forward To New Challenge

BEDFORD, NH — Fire Chief Scott Wiggin is set to retire this week, and the Town Council has appointed Fire Deputy Chief Scott Hunter to take his place in leading the department. A celebration for Wiggin's retirement is scheduled for next week. Hunter, who has been a Bedford firefighter for seven years, said he looks forward to getting to know community members in the next few months and learning more about their expectations of the Fire Department.

Hunter will become chief after Wiggin's scheduled retirement by the end of the day Friday. He said he is full-heartedly looking forward to the job, stating his new challenge will be balancing the needs and expectations of Bedford citizens with those of the Bedford Fire Department members. Among topics under discussion at the Bedford Fire Department are the need for a new fire station and whether to increase staff.

"I am convinced that Scott is the best person for the job given his vast knowledge of Bedford," said Town Manager Rick Sawyer, who recommended Hunter for the chief's position last week. "I'm confident Scott has the vision for the future of the department that will impress those within the organization, as well as the citizens and the business owners and all of the civic leaders tonight and for years to come."

Hunter, a resident of New Boston, previously had a career in human services, working with at-risk youth. Both his father and his father-in-law were fire chiefs, and at the age of 32, Hunter himself became involved in the fire service. Now 47 years old, and having worked for three local fire departments, he says it's a great way to serve the community.

"I like how it's always changing," said Hunter about the firefighting career. "Every day you don't know exactly what it's going to hold. You come in, you're prepared for anything. That's what I love about this job. The challenges are always changing, whether it's on scene or in the firehouse."

Hunter has been with the Bedford Fire Department for the past seven years, having served as fire inspector, captain and deputy chief. Previously, he spent 15 years with the New Boston Fire Department, serving seven years as fire captain in that town. He also spent nine years as a Hollis firefighter and EMT, according to Sawyer.

The Bedford Town Council approved Hunter's nomination for chief unanimously on July 17. According to Sawyer, the selection process involved job postings targeting candidates from within the Bedford Fire Department and outside of it. Three candidates were chosen as finalists for the interview process by three panels — one with Town Council members and management, another with fire and building safety officials, and another with town department heads. One of the three finalists withdrew from the process, and out of the two remaining, Hunter was chosen as the right fit, said Sawyer.

"I think he's going to do a great job," said Town Councilor Catherine Rombeau, who served on one of the interview panels. "It's a great opportunity for us and for the leadership of the team."

Those wishing to congratulate Wiggin on his retirement will be able to do so during a celebration scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 1, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Manchester Country Club. Those interested in attending may reserve their tickets.