RINDGE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) — The Town of Rindge has appointed Robert Faas Jr. as its new Director of Public & Life Safety, effective January 1, 2026, town officials announced.

Chief Faas brings 34 years of fire service experience to the role, including deep roots in Rindge. He began his career locally, serving with both the Franklin Pierce Fire Department and the Rindge Fire Department from 1991 to 2001, where he rose to the rank of lieutenant. During that time, he also worked with the Jaffrey-Rindge Memorial Ambulance Service and Speedway Safety Services in Claremont.

From 2001 through 2025, Faas served with Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service in Maryland, attaining the rank of captain. His experience includes serving as a safety officer with Maryland Task Force One’s Urban Search and Rescue Team and as a safety officer and training committee chair for the National Capital Region Incident Management Team. He has been a certified instructor through the Maryland Instructor Certification Review Board since 2008 and has taught as both an adjunct and lead instructor at the Montgomery County Fire Rescue Training Academy. Faas has also instructed with the Fraternal Order of Leatherheads Society, an organization focused on preserving fire service traditions while supporting firefighters and their families.

Faas earned a Bachelor of Arts in environmental science from Franklin Pierce College in 1995 and completed his Master of Business Administration at Southern New Hampshire University in 2024. In 2025, he was nominated as one of 15 fire officers nationwide for the International Association of Fire Chiefs’ Company Officer of the Year Award.

“I am honored to step into the role of Fire Chief and to have the opportunity to serve alongside each of you,” Faas said in a statement. “Our department has a strong legacy of dedication, professionalism, and service to the community, and I am committed to building upon that foundation.”

Chief Faas has been married to his wife, Heather, for 20 years. The couple has four children and seven grandchildren, with two more expected. He will relocate back to Rindge ahead of beginning his full-time duties with the Rindge Fire Department in February 2026.

The officers and members of the Rindge Fire Department also recognized the service of retiring Director of Public & Life Safety Chief Rickard Donovan, who is stepping down after 28 years with the department, including 23 years as fire chief.