Veteran Providence RI Firefighter Becomes Warwick Interim Chief

WARWICK — A veteran Providence firefighter has taken the helm of the Warwick Fire Department.

Peter McMichael holds the title of interim fire chief and has replaced Chief Marcel B. Fontenault, taking command of the department on St. Patrick's Day following his selection by Mayor Joseph J. Solomon and his confirmation by Warwick's Board of Safety.

McMichael, who served as Providence's fire marshal, has arrived in Warwick at a time of greater scrutiny on contractual matters involving firefighters.

During a March 22 news conference, McMichael stood next to Solomon as the mayor provided details on an arbitration decision that he said would force Warwick to make $2.6 million in retroactive pension payments and also complicate the city's efforts to reform the pension system for firefighters.

McMichael is "committed to working with my administration and our firefighters to chart a new course," Solomon said.

McMichael studied fire science at Providence College and he holds bachelor's and master's degrees in public administration from Roger Williams University, according to a news release issued by Solomon's office.

In the release, McMichael said he is honored to lead Warwick firefighters, who have a reputation for being "well-trained, well-disciplined and aggressive."

"The services delivered by the men and women of this department are second to none," he said.

McMichael joined the Providence Fire Department in 1989, according to the release. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in 2006 and to captain in 2014. McMichael had served as the department's fire marshal since 2015.

He attended the National Fire Academy in Maryland for executive development and other training, and earned a management certificate from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

He holds 17 certifications in professional development in a variety of areas, including emergency response to terrorism, hazards materials incidents and Amtrak-emergency response procedures.

"We're pleased that he's here," said the president of Warwick's firefighters union, Michael Carreiro, of Local 2748. "We're looking forward to working with him."

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