Groton — The Poquonnock Bridge Fire District board appointed a local business owner to its board of directors Thursday night.

Barry Adcock, 35, owner of Barry’s Fence LLC in Groton, said he looks forward to working with the board and fire chief and hopes to settle down animosity that exists.

“I would like to play a more active role in working out a good deal for the taxpayer and the department for a practical, safe and economical fire district,” Adcock said.

Adcock was vocal in supporting taxpayer relief and the addition of volunteers during the fire district’s annual meeting in which voters approved a $3.9 million budget.

He fills a seat post vacated by Dr. Gary Bertman, who resigned in June. Bertman, owner of GP Family Care LLC in New London, was elected in May 2013 to a three-year term.