PENOBSCOT – Many volunteer fire departments across the state are experiencing the graying of their membership. Chris Miller, a senior at Liberty School, is trying to buck this trend.

Miller became a full member of the Penobscot Fire Department as soon as he turned 18, has already completed three of the six modules of Firefighter 1 training, and was recently elected secretary of the department. He became the youngest elected officer of a fire department in Maine.

“Chris is steady and he works hard,” said Fire Chief Bim Snow. Snow was elected chief, beginning his 21st year in that position. Others elected were Dennis Robertson, treasurer; Matt Dow, lieutenant; Bill Snow, captain; and Jamie Sarna, training officer.