By Bill Carey
FireRescue1
PAWTUCKET, R.I. — The Pawtucket firefighters union is voicing concern over what it describes as a “complacent approach to public safety” following a recent command staffing decision.
Lieutenant Erik Cordeiro, a 16-year department veteran, stated that union members were shocked last week when a 22-year-old probationary firefighter was appointed as acting deputy chief, bypassing more experienced staff, WJAR reported.
Cordeiro stated that typically, a battalion chief, one rank below, would fill such a role. However, Mayor Don Grebien explained that since the position had no applicants, the city opted for the most cost-effective solution.
Grebien emphasized that public safety remains uncompromised, describing the role as strictly administrative and noting that promoting a senior member would have incurred overtime costs.
After social media users questioned a Sun Prairie firefighter’s lack of urgency during a Windsor house fire, officials explained his role and how crews coordinate roles like scene assessment and interior attack
October 30, 2026 08:43 AM
·
Fire union leaders fear removing police from nonviolent 911 calls could endanger first responders if situations turn dangerous, as finance officials warn the $16.8 million Department of Neighborhood Safety could exhaust opioid settlement funding by 2032
October 31, 2026 08:00 AM
Salvatore Cassano is urging Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Legislature to keep driverless cars off New York streets, citing warnings about autonomous vehicles interfering with police and firefighters at emergency scenes nationwide
October 31, 2026 12:00 PM
About 15 regional firefighters and EMTs practiced triaging simulated patients ahead of the Nov. 1 Sikh Parade, which draws roughly 150,000 attendees to a city of 70,000, with no other equipped hospital within 45 miles
November 01, 2026 08:00 AM
