Alan Quimby, who has served as Chichester’s longtime fire chief, co-emergency management director, and forest fire warden, resigned suddenly from his position effective Sept. 1, a move that caught town officials off-guard.

“This board has supported Alan Quimby through thick and thin and we were really surprised when he resigned,” Selectman Michael Williams said. “He walked in, dropped his resignation, and then walked out of the meeting. Didn’t even give us a chance to discuss it with him.”

Quimby delivered a letter of resignation at the Board of Selectmen meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 20.  He declined to comment on his resignation, but expressed gratitude for the job he will relinquish over Labor Day weekend.

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve the citizens of Chichester as their fire chief over the years,” said Quimby, who held the position for a total of 12 years. “As I retire from my full-time job at the State of N.H. after 45 years, it was only a natural progression to step away from the demands of the fire chief position.”

Quimby added that he would be happy to remain in a supporting role to help the fire department in any way he’s needed. Quimby, a resident of Epsom, works for the Department of Administrative Services’ centralized mailing services.

The Monitor was unable to obtain a copy of Quimby’s resignation letter by publication time.

“The letter was characterized as being very hostile towards the board and we’re not sure why. You’d have to gauge for yourself,” Williams added.

Quimby reiterated his appreciation for the support he and the members of the fire department have received from the town’s residents.

“I love the job, the people I work with and the townspeople,” Quimby added.

Gary Brooks will serve as the interim fire chief for the next 45 days as the board begins to look for a permanent replacement for Quimby. Selectman Stephen MacCleery wants residents to know they will continue to be safe and protected.

”It’s kind of a fluid situation, but we are addressing it,” MacCleery added. 

Rachel Wachman can be reached at rwachman@cmonitor.com.