By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

Casco’s new Code Enforcement Officer Don Murphy was introduced at the Casco Board of Selectmen’s meeting on Tuesday. (De Busk photo)

CASCO — After almost two decades as the sole captain at the helm of the Casco Code Enforcement department, Elwin Thorpe will be navigating through his retirement years.

Thorpe will finish his last day as Code Enforcement Officer (CEO) on Friday.

Already, newly-hired CEO Don Murphy has been learning the ropes and readying to take the wheel.

On Tuesday, Murphy was introduced to the Casco Board of Selectmen and residents in the audience.

“We look forward to having Don on board. He is a quick study,” Town Manager Dave Morton said.

“Don comes to us with all the certifications. He has experience with building and plumbing. He has experience working with wetlands. He knows GIS equipment and mapping,” he said.

The Bethel resident announced he was excited to serve the Town of Casco in the capacity of code enforcement officer.

“I am trying to coordinate what time is best to be in the office. My work will require me to be out in the field. I know I will be available during the latter hours on Tuesday,” Murphy said.

“I am going to make it quite easy to find me,” he said.

Murphy said he was a big believer in the public education component. He wants to use the town’s website to inform community members about code enforcement issues.

The new CEO said he wasn’t tied to residing in Bethel and plans to “get a small place, a bungalow, in the area to be close to work.”

“I am really excited to be in this region,” Murphy said.

Meanwhile, his predecessor, Thorpe, will scarcely have two weeks to get comfortable with his retirement routine before his “send-off party.”

Actually, the town will throw a retirement reception for Thorpe on Sunday, Feb. 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Casco Community Center.

“The public is invited. So, people can come by and congratulate Elwin on his retirement,” Town Manager Morton said.

“If people cannot make it and would like to send a card, they can mail it to the town office,” he said.

The address is: Elwin Thorpe, c/o Town of Casco, P.O. Box 60, Casco, ME 04015.

“We have been fortunate. Elwin has done a great job,” Morton said.