WPRO News and the Associated Press
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) – The administration of Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza is looking to hire a fire chief able to control costs.
The Providence Journal reports (http://bit.ly/1gE23RO ) that Public Safety Commissioner Steven M. Paré said Thursday the next chief must be able to analyze demands for emergency medical and fire-suppression services with an eye toward consolidation. He said targets of that consolidation could include the number and location of fire stations.
The Fire Department has 14 engine companies, eight ladder companies, seven rescue companies and a special hazard unit.
Fire Chief Clarence A. Cunha will reach age 60 in April, the legally required retirement age.
The administration is now looking locally, regionally and nationally for his successor in a job. The salary is advertised at between $118,000 and $153,000 a year.
