By Sam Wroblewski 630wpro.com
After reaching the mandatory age of retirement this year, Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza announced Fire Chief Clarence Cunha will retire and Assistant Chief Scott Mello will serve in his place.
Cunha ends a 35 year career with the Providence Fire Department, the last year and a half of which was spent as head of the department.
“Chief Cunha’s commitment to the safety of Providence and its residents has been exemplary,” said Mayor Elorza in a statement, “On behalf of a grateful city, I thank Chief Cunha for his service and wish him well as he begins the next chapter in his life.”
As the Mayor’s office seeks out a new Fire Chief, Mello – a 30-year veteran of the department – will step up and fill the void. Mello has served as the Assistant Fire Chief since February and previously served four years as the Director of Training.
“[T]hroughout his career has demonstrated courage and leadership that befit the responsibilities of acting Chief. I look forward to working with him in that role,” said Elorza.
Cunha’s retirement comes as the city continues to negotiate with the firefighters union over proposed shift restructuring, which would add 14 hours to a fire fighters work week.
A deal has yet to be reached with the city.
