« Update: 'Hurricane' bearing down on R.I. / Photo | Today | Barrington woman dies in 2-car crash in Seekonk »

April 30, 2007

New state police head tapped as interim fire marshal

PROVIDENCE -- Two days after being sworn in as the new superintendent of the state police, Col. Brendan Doherty is taking on an additional job -- that of interim state fire marshal.

Governor Carcieri today announced Doherty's appointment to the post, effective until the governor appoints a permanent fire marshal.

The previous state fire marshal, George S. Farrell, left state service Friday to become the new Providence fire chief and was sworn in today.

Carcieri said he asked Doherty this weekend to take on the interim role and to designate a member of the state police to directly oversee day-to-day operations at the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Doherty was sworn in Saturday and named to his job about three weeks ago.

Doherty has selected Lt. John Blessing to fill that role. Blessing will be based at the Fire Marshal’s Office, but will report to Doherty.

This marks the second time the governor has temporarily placed state police in charge of the fire marshal’s office. A similar appointment was made in December 2005, after the retirement of Irving “Jesse” Owens. Blessing was placed in charge of day-to-day operations at that time, too.

-- projo.com staff writer Michael P. McKinney

Posted by Mike McKinney  at 4:14 PM | Permalink

Comments

Post a comment

Please be civil. Vicious comments, personal attacks and profanity won't be published. Name and email are required; email address will not publish.

Name:

Email Address:

URL:
Remember Me? YesNo

Comments: (you may use HTML tags for style)