The Associated Press
By ERIC TUCKER
Associated Press Writer
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The state’s fire marshal, who faced tough criticism after a deadly nightclub fire that killed 100 people in 2003, will retire next week, Gov. Don Carcieri announced Friday.
Irving J. Owens, whose term ran out last year, has served as fire marshal since 1995. His retirement takes effect on Dec. 23.
A woman who answered the phone at the fire marshal’s office Friday referred comment to Carcieri spokesman Jeff Neal, who said Owens delivered his retirement letter to the governor on Thursday and chose to leave the post on his own.