Fire Department

East Greenwich Welcomes Fire Chief Bernard Patenaude

The East Greenwich Town Council is pleased to announce the appointment of Bernard L. Patenaude to the position of East Greenwich Fire Chief.  Chief Patenaude joins the East Greenwich Fire Department after 39 years of service with the Cranston Fire Department where he served as the Assistant Chief of Department for the past nine years.

The selection process for a Fire Chief began in January 2019 with Joseph C. Duarte, Acting Town Manager, forming a group to advise him, comprised of the North Kingstown Fire Chief Scott Kettelle and Attorney Vincent Ragosta (E.G. Personnel Board Member).  Ten (10) applicants were interviewed from a list of twenty four (24) applicants.  Three candidates were selected for final interviews with the Town Council.

Highlights of Chief Patenaude’s career include:

• Oversight of the Cranston Fire Department staff of 206 employees with a $32 million budget.
• Fire Education and Training Board, Rhode Island State Fire Academy.
• Incident Command and National Incident Management System Certified.
• United States Coast Guard licensed Master of Vessels and a member of the Port of Providence Area Committee.
• Bachelor Degree in Fire Science from Providence College.
• Volunteer firefighter, East Greenwich District 1977-1981.