HALLOWELL, ME — August 20 — Fire Chief James Owens of Hallowell retired after more than five decades of service in the fire department, concluding a 51-year career that included nine years as chief. Members of the Hallowell Fire Department came together to honor his retirement.

Owens was the chief of Hallowell from 2017 until his retirement in 2026.

During his time in that role, he managed day-to-day operations, training programs, and emergency responses. He also collaborated with nearby agencies through mutual aid arrangements. According to Hallowell’s 2023 annual report, the department handled 164 calls for service that year, including three fires that involved working structures, and had 12 active members.

Owens was involved in significant regional incidents.

In 2020, he was on the scene of a residential fire on Second Street, where the fire was controlled to the hallway and stairs.