The city of Westbrook has hired Kennebunkport's former fire chief to lead the city's fire department.

The City Council Monday confirmed the selection of Daniel Brock to run the department. Brock left the Kennebunkport Fire Department early in 2008 after his three-year contract expired. He had previously served as the fire chief in Cohasset and Wrentham, Mass.

Brock replaces Gary Littlefield, who was placed on leave in October a month prior to his retirement.

Littlefield left while the city was investigating complaints made by female firefighters that the department was a hostile workplace for women.

The Westbrook Fire Department has a staff of 33 full- time firefighters/paramedics, 20 part-time employees and 30 volunteers.

Copyright 2008 Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.