Mayor won't fill fire chief position

NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - North Providence Mayor Charles Lombardi said he does not plan on filling the town's vacant fire chief position, instead he will rely on three battalion chiefs to run daily operations.

He has also asked that fire chiefs in surrounding cities and towns play a role in managing the fire department in the event of a major fire or emergency.

Former Chief Alfred Bertoncini retired in December. Lombardi said by not filling the position, it will save the town more than $100,000 in salary and benefits annually.

The move is just the latest cost-cutting measure Lombardi has instituted recently.

After winning a court battle, the mayor recently shut down the Douglas Ave. fire station in town, which he said would save the town $50,000 each year.