| The RIAFC sponsored a General Assembly Appreciation Night on November 18, 2025 at the RI Fire Training Academy. The event brought in about 23 RI State Senators and Representatives who were given a presentation by academy director Mark Pare on the history of the fire academy and its future. They were also given tours and demonstrations showcasing the expansion that the academy is currently undergoing. Two new classrooms, a new auditorium, a new 5 bay fire station building and a new two bay cold storage building are all part of the expanding facility.
Also attending the event were 15 chiefs and chief officers, along with 5 instructors at the fire academy. A light dinner was also provided. Retired North Kingstown Fire Chief Scott Kettelle welcomed the General Assembly members, giving them an overview of the expansion and accomplishements of firefighter training in RI. Chief Kettelle serves as chairman of the RI Fire Education & Training Board. RIAFC executive director, Chief Rick Susi, Ret., updated those present on RIAFC legislative initiatives and priorities for the upcoming General Assembly session beginning in January. All General Assembly members were thanked for their support of the fire service and expansion of the academy. Members were given funding information and looked forward to talking about funding sources for the academy going forward. |