PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The Providence Fire Department officially has new leadership.
A swearing-in ceremony was held Monday afternoon at Providence City Hall.
Smiley revealed late last year that Derek Silva would become the city’s next fire chief. In addition, Stephen Houle was promoted to assistant chief and Joseph Molis has taken on the role of chief of administration.
Silva, who’s been with the department for the past 16 years, is the city’s first permanent chief since 2015. During his remarks, he said his goal is to have it be the best-run department in the best-run city in the country.
“We have a new team, a fresh start,” Silva said. “The Providence Fire Department has a long and storied history. It’s the second-oldest paid fire department in the country. With that comes a department that’s steeped in tradition, that we’ve joked for many years is unimpeded by progress, but that’s the last time I’m going to tell that joke because now it’s time to make progress.”
Smiley said he has complete confidence in Silva, adding that he’s a perfect fit to lead the department.
Parked outside City Hall were the two ladder trucks from Lincoln and Providence that Silva got his career started on.
Watch the full ceremony below.
