Newly hired fire chief decides not to take job

Mark Munroe won't be coming to Lebanon after all. (Courtesy photo)

LEBANON - The newly hired chief of Lebanon Fire has decided not to take the position, a source with close ties to the department said today.

The source, who provided the information on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to do so, told The Lebanon Voice that they had learned of the resignation on Saturday.

Mark Munroe, of Chester, who currently works as an assistant chief of the South Hampton (NH) fire department, was unanimously approved to fill the position by Lebanon selectmen earlier this month.

There were three finalists who were interviewed for the position and about 18 applicants from all over the country, Selectman Paul Philbrick said.

Royce Heath ... had no comment

An Internet search showed Munroe also had an employment history with the Chester Fire Department and Massport.

Efforts to contact Munroe were unsuccessful.

Lebanon Selectman Royce Heath, reached at Town Offices this morning, refused comment on the apparent resignation.

Lebanon Fire Department officials also refused comment.

Selectmen Chairman Ben Thompson was not immediately available for comment.