The RI Association of Fire Chiefs and the RIAFC Foundation held their Installation of Officers Banquet Saturday night, January 24th, at the Bristol Yacht Club in Bristol. Chief Michael DeMello, Bristol Fire Department, was sworn in as the RIAFC's 44th president. Administering the oath of office to DeMello were two retired fire chiefs from Bristol & Warren. Chief Robert Martin of the Bristol FD and Chief Alexander Galinelli of the Warren FD provided Chief DeMello a special touch to the ceremony. Also sworn in for another term as president of the RIAFC Foundation was Narragansett Fire Chief Scott Partington.

Board members from both the RIAFC and the RIAFC Foundation were also sworn in by Bristol Town Administrator Steven Contente and Town Clerk Melissa Cordeiro respectively.

Board members for the RIAFC
Chief Michael DeMello Pres.
Chief Timothy Walsh, 1st VP
Chief Jeffrey Varone, 2nd VP
Chief Nick Anderson, Director
Chief Mike Dexter, Director
Chief Howie Tighe, Director
Chief Scott Kettelle, SAA
Chief William Giannini, Treas.
Chief Richard Susi, Sec/Exec. Dir.
Chief Robert Bradley Jr., IPP

Board members for the RIAFC Foundation
Chief Scott Partington, Pres.
Chief David Chartier, VP
Ms. Crystale Perry, Secretary
Chief John Potvin, Director
Chief Steven Quattrini, Director
Chief William Bailey, Director
Chief Michael DeMello,
RIAFC President
Chief William Giannini, Treasurer
Chief Richard Susi, Exec. Dir.

Outgoing RIAFC president, Manville Fire Chief Robert E. Bradley Jr., was presented a plaque and the president's ring for his two years of service as the organization's president. Two RI State Representatives were also recognized for their work to assist the Rhode Island fire service in the General Assembly. Representative Julie Casimiro of North Kingstown/Exeter and Representative Thomas Noret of West Warwick/Coventry were presented plaques to recognize their support. Retired North Kingstown Fire Chief Scott Kettelle presented Rep. Casimiro with her plaque while letting the 90 plus attendees know all that she has done for the fire service. West Warwick Fire Chief Jeffrey Varone did the honors for Rep. Noret, praising him for his efforts in gaining funding for firefighter training to deal with lithium ion batteries and the hazards they present.

The RIAFC would like to thank Everon Solutions and MES Life Safety for their generous contributions to this event. Special thanks to Telly Gatos, Everon, and Corey Centracchio, MES. Their continued support is always welcomed and very much appreciated!