Former Rep. Robert Duplessie of Westbrook, the assistant majority leader in the last two legislative sessions and a retired Portland firefighter, has gotten a job in the Department of Conservation as assistant to the commissioner.
Duplessie spent 28 years as a firefighter in Portland and was president of the Professional Firefighters of Maine and the organization’s legislative advocate for 20 years. As Maine House whip, he helped get a bill passed last year that will give retired firefighters and police state-subsidized health insurance.
In his new role, Duplessie will spend time in the Statehouse on behalf of the conservation department. The job pays between $46,000 and $50,000 a year.
“My lifelong interest in and commitment to conservation issues can be put to use in this job,” said Duplessie, who spent four terms in the House and served on the Natural Resources Committee for four years.
“Through his work in the Legislature, Bob Duplessie has become very familiar with our agency,” said Patrick McGowan, conservation department commissioner. “His knowledge of both the Department of Conservation and the legislative process will be invaluable to us over the next four years.”
Duplessie reported for work on Jan. 2, after wrapping up his legislative duties on Dec. 6. He served four terms in the House.
Duplessie, 54, wanted to keep working after term limits prevented another run for a legislative seat.
“It’s a continuation of my public service,” Duplessie said Tuesday. “I love the job. It’s a positive place to work.”
As an assistant to the commissioner, Duplessie will be the department’s liaison to the Legislature.
Duplessie belongs to several conservation groups and enjoys outdoors activities like hiking and cross-country skiing.
He has had a long interest in conservation, and is a woodlot owner in Andover.
As a legislator, he co-sponsored most legislative issues on conservation or environmental issues. He supported a lottery ticket series and a marketing program benefiting conservation.
On the job, Duplessie will work with sportsmen’s groups and the Legislature’s conservation committee.
“He has a knowledge of the legislative process that’s hard to duplicate,” said Jim Crocker, a spokesman for the department.
Crocker said the job, which has been in place for about 20 years, became available after a man left in December. He said the commissioner chose Duplessie after talking with a few others. He said the job didn’t need to be advertised.
Duplessie said he is working about 60 hours a week, which he said is down from 80 a week as a legislator. His wife, Lynn Duplessie, also works full time, and the couple doesn’t have children.
“I’ve thrived on working long hours,” Duplessie said.
Rep. Chris Barstow, D-Gorham, said Duplessie is absolutely qualified for the job.
“It’s a perfect fit for Bob in that role,” Barstow said.
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