Wayland Town Crier 3/3/15: New Wayland fire chief ready to go. Selectmen ratified the appointment of David Houghton as the new fire chief Monday night, succeeding Vinnie Smith, who retired Feb. 24. According to Town Administrator Nan Balmer, Houghton was one of 20 candidates, five of whom qualified to go through the assessment center process. Of the two finalists, he was the unanimous choice of the interview committee.