Cranston selects new fire chief

CRANSTON, R.I. (WLNE) — A nearly 40-year veteran Cranston firefighter will serve as the department’s new chief.

Cranston Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins announced the selection of Deputy Chief Robert Ryan to head up the Cranston Fire Department on December 26.

“His thirty-six years of service and experience across the varied divisions and tasks of firefighting makes Chief Ryan an excellent choice,” said Mayor Hopkins. “He has my confidence and is well-respected by the rank-and-file members of the fire department.”

Ryan first joined the department in 1988, ascending the ranks while serving at stations throughout Cranston.

Ryan has held the role of deputy chief since 2019, where he serves as the field supervisor to Cranston’s first responders.

In his role as chief, Ryan will oversee all firefighters, as well as the $37 million budget of the Cranston Fire Department.

“I am honored and grateful to Mayor Hopkins for his confidence in selecting me to be Cranston’s next fire chief,” Ryan said. “I pledge to the members of the department and the Cranston community that we will work hard every day to protect the city and maintain our excellent record of fire and emergency services.”