Lawrence D. Best has been nominated by City Manager James Bennett as the next Chief of the Biddeford Fire Department. The City Council approved his nomination at their September 5, 2023 meeting.
“I am pleased to nominate Mr. Best to this position on our leadership team,” Bennett said. “Larry emerged from our extensive national search as the best candidate to fulfill the needs of our community, and I look forward to the ways that his leadership style will contribute to a better Biddeford.”
Best has more than 35 years of Fire Service education, work experience and professional development. He began his career as a Volunteer Firefighter in Meriden, New Hampshire in 1987. He most recently has 20 years of service with the Salem, New Hampshire Fire Department and served as Chief of the Department for the past five years.
Best holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fire and Emergency Management from Rivier College and an Associate Degree in Applied Science in Fire Science from New Hampshire Technical College. He holds an extensive list of certifications and training, ranging from incident command systems to hazardous materials response and advanced medical care. Best also currently serves as the President of the New Hampshire Association of Fire Chiefs.
“I would like to thank the City of Biddeford for the opportunity to serve as the next Fire Chief,” Best said. “I look forward to working alongside the members of the Biddeford Fire Department as we move into the future addressing the needs of this growing and prosperous City.”
“I am very impressed by Mr. Best's resume and experience, but I am also impressed by his demeanor and his knowledge,” said Mayor Alan Casavant. “I believe that he will be a perfect fit for our Fire Department.”
Best will assume his service with the Biddeford Fire Department on October 17, 2023.