‘New wave’ of leaders in command of Fire Department

By Kelcy Dolan
Posted 2/2/16

James McLaughlin assured a packed City Hall last Wednesday night that “dreams do come true,” after he was sworn in as chief of the Warwick Fire Department.

In his first address McLaughlin …

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‘New wave’ of leaders in command of Fire Department

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James McLaughlin assured a packed City Hall last Wednesday night that “dreams do come true,” after he was sworn in as chief of the Warwick Fire Department.

In his first address McLaughlin said, “I won’t make too many promises, but will promise to put nothing less than 100 percent into this job just as my predecessors have.”

Along with McLaughlin, 11 other firefighters received promotions and were sworn in at Wednesday’s ceremony.

David Morse was sworn in as assistant chief, Richard Bellavance as battalion chief, and both Keith Brown and Marcel Fontenault as captains. Gerard Bogossian was promoted to rescue captain, while William Alsfeld and Scott Iamarone, Daniel DeRobbio and Christopher Albro were sworn in as lieutenants. Bradford Ginaitt and Michael Kretchman were both sworn in as rescue lieutenants.

Mayor Scott Avedisian also recognized retired Chief Edmund Armstrong for 36 “wonderful years of service,” as well as fellow retirees, Assistant Chief Bruce C. Cooley, Captain Matthew F. McCauley, Rescue Captain Bryan J. Owens, Lieutenant Carl Pecchia and Lieutenant Michael F. Shea. Avedisian noted that, collectively, the six men represented 153 years of service to the city.

“We offer our gratitude for your service. The legacy you leave behind won’t be forgotten,” Avedisian said.

Armstrong received a commemorative axe in gratitude for his years of service and a proclamation from the City Council, presented by Council President Donna Travis.

Along with celebrating the accomplishments of the retirees, Avedisian said it was time to welcome the “next wave” of leadership for the city’s fire department. He said he expected nothing less than “incredible leadership.”

“You ensure our public’s safety, but your jobs are so much more than that. You are on the frontlines for peoples’ most vulnerable moments,” he said. “You ease the fears of loved ones and show families compassion.”

After Avedisian’s remarks, those promoted firefighters were sworn in one by one while their loved ones came forward to pin their new badges on their uniforms.

McLaughlin then took the time to make his first address as chief, laying out several of the initiatives he planned to instill in his new position. He believes his time as chief will focus on both “communication” and “delegation,” ensuring a positive relationship between the City Council, the mayor, the board of safety and the general public.

He brought up the concerns fire departments to both the north and south are facing, acknowledging they each have their own “unique circumstances” but believes inherently these problems stem from those communities “losing respect” for their firefighters.

“Here we have a City Council, mayor and public that stands by us. We are thankful for past and future support,” McLaughlin said. “I’m folding the rear view mirror and only looking forward.”

McLaughlin assured that any issues of a firefighter being disrespectful to the uniform, equipment or public will be quickly addressed.

“That sort of behavior is a slap to the face of the majority of fighters who come in and do their job with pride,” he said.

In an effort for transparency, he plans not only to have open houses at the various stations throughout the city but also to “revitalize” fire prevention and safety programs in 5th grade classrooms.

Similarly, he wants to establish a mission committee, which will create long- and short-term goals based upon the strengths and weaknesses of the department. He wants to see more collaboration with other departments in terms of sharing best practices and training programs. He would also like to work closely with the city’s retirees, an “untapped resource” to bring past and present together.

McLaughlin said, “True leaders challenge the status quo and in a fire department the line between tradition and the status quo is thin, but we cannot be afraid of change.”

At the end of his address, McLaughlin became nostalgic sharing the stories of his childhood, joining his father, a retired chief of the Providence Fire department, during runs on the 4th of July.

He said those memories, riding around with his father putting out small fires, were what eventually led to him becoming a firefighter himself.

McLaughlin said that he and his father, Gilbert McLaughlin, weren’t the emotional type and had never shared a “real good hug.”

“So I’m going to end tonight’s ceremony by giving my father a hug that’s 48 years overdue,” McLaughlin said.

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