Beane resigns as Sangerville fire chief

By Mike Lange
Staff Writer

    SANGERVILLE — Charles “Chuck” Beane resigned as Sangerville fire chief on Feb. 14, citing medical reasons, but said he plans to stay on as member of the department.
    But Town Manager Dave Pearson has confirmed that there are “items under investigation” related to Beane’s position as chief and information has been turned over to the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Department.

    “When I became aware of the problem, I contacted the attorney general’s office to get some guidance,” Pearson told the Observer. “Because of the nature of the investigation, I really can’t say very much.”
    Lt. Jamie Kane of the Piscataquis County Sheriff’s Department, said that the probe is related to the “alleged misuse of town funds. But we still have interviews to conduct and documentation to sort through. We expect to know more by the end of the week.”
    Beane, who has been chief for the past eight years, declined to comment on the pending investigation. “People can say what they want,” he said.
    Beane suffered a serious leg injury about two weeks ago while plowing a road for Herrick Construction in the Spencer Bay area. “I set my brakes, got out to free up the plow, but the brakes didn’t hold,” Beane said. He said he broke his tibia, fibula and some bones in his ankle and expects to be laid up “three or four months.”
    Pearson acknowledged that Beane’s resignation was voluntary due to the injuries, but said that the former chief has been temporarily suspended from the department. “The firefighters agreed with my decision,” Pearson added.