MILLINOCKET — Concerns about the future of the Fire Department and ambulance operations have prompted Fire Chief Milan Thornton to retire three months earlier than he had planned.

Thornton, who has been a firefighter for nearly 25 years and fire chief for the past 12 years, on Monday confirmed that he would retire on March 13. He had planned to retire in October.

“It has been very self-satisfying for me to be able to work for this town for as many years as I have. I am very proud of the services we have provided to this community, and I am very proud of the dedicated men who have worked for me,” said Thornton.

The chief said he is concerned that the future will bring major changes in the way his departments operate.

After attending a staff meeting on Friday, Thornton said it became clear to him that Town Attorney Dean Beaupain and Town Manager Paul Bird “have their own plan of how this department should be run. The budget they want presented for this coming year is going to require a major change in the way the ambulance and the fire departments have operated in the past,” said the chief.

Thornton said he is retiring now so a new person can be involved in the budget process. “I don’t want to tear this department apart and upset this crew’s livelihood,” the chief said.

Thornton said the ambulance department had managed to continue providing good service with the same number of personnel, despite a 34 percent increase in runs. “Cutting personnel or funds or any combination would jeopardize the service we provide this community,” he said.

Responding to Thornton’s plans to retire early, Town Manager Paul Bird said it was regrettable. “I looked for his depth and knowledge to help us through this time,” he said.

Bird said he wants to communicate and work with department heads. He said he expects department heads to be responsible and accountable for their budgets, and there cannot be any more overdrafts. “I’m not looking to fire people or to lay people off, but I am looking for efficiencies,” said Bird.