A veteran fire professional and the director of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy have been nominated to leadership roles with the Maine Department of Public Safety.

The department announced Wednesday that Richard McCarthy was nominated by Public Safety Commissioner Michael Sauschuck to serve as the state’s next Fire Marshal. Richard Desjardins was also nominated to become the new Director of the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency.

Sauschuck says McCarthy currently oversees the Inspections and Prevention Division which inspects a variety of buildings within the State of Maine. Desjardins is a veteran law enforcement officer who has served in many roles, including 23 years with the Brunswick Police Department.

McCarthy was selected to take over for former Fire Marshal Joe Thomas who retired in December after 22 years. Desjardins would replace former MDEA Director Roy McKinney, who also retired in December after 24 years.