Courtesy photo Fire Chief Andy Marceau is seen sitting in an Alpena Fire Department (AFD) vehicle. He was named the department’s new fire chief on Wednesday.

ALPENA — Andy Marceau was named the new fire chief at the Alpena Fire Department (AFD) on Wednesday. He will replace Fire Chief Rob Edmonds who will officially retire on Nov. 30 after 31 years of service.

Marceau said that from the first day he stepped through the door of AFD, Edmonds was “a friend first of all” and a mentor who made sure Marceau “stuck around.” Marceau said when he first started at AFD, he thought “maybe I was not cut out for this job.”

He said that Edmonds reassured him of his abilities and encouraged Marceau to stay at the department. Marceau said that Edmonds told him “you’re going to make it.”

Marceau explained that his goals for the department are to continue what Edmonds started and to “put my own stamp on things.” Marceau said that the things he will change are not because “they are wrong.”

“We have a great department,” Marceau said. “It’s not about me, but about we.”

Marceau stated that he will always be known to the community as Fireman Andy despite assuming a new role at the department. He said that he will likely share roles with whomever assumes the vacant deputy chief role.

“We will probably do things a little bit different,” Marceau added.

Moving forward, Marceau explained that he doesn’t want the community to view him any differently than they do now.

“I am still Fireman Andy,” Marceau said. “The kids don’t care what badge I have on. They are just excited that someone is coming to teach them about fire safety.”

Marceau added that it has been “a little overwhelming” receiving the amount of support from the community in response to being named fire chief.

“It brings tears to my eyes because of the overwhelming support,” Marceau said. “The community is outstanding.”

He added that “community is like family,” and he is proud to say that himself, his wife, and his children have all been born and raised in Alpena.

“We try to strive for excellence,” Marceau stated.

He explained that his family has been understanding over the years as he’s missed birthdays, sporting events, or other milestones while working in the role of a first responder.

“I couldn’t do it without my family,” Marceau said.

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.