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April 30, 2007

New Providence fire chief: 'Only great will do' / Photo

PROVIDENCE – Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline swore in George S. Farrell as the city's new fire chief this morning, calling Farrell "an extraordinary manager, one of the best I've ever seen."

Farrell, a third generation firefighter, told the audience at the Public Safety Complex that he will hold the department to a high standard.

"Good isn't good enough. Only great will do," Farrell said.

He said the Providence Fire Department is second to none when it comes to structural firefighting.

Farrell is the former Rhode Island fire marshal, and he returns to the department where he began his career 26 years ago, according to the mayor’s office. He is the city's 23rd fire chief.

Cicilline’s announcement last month of Farrell as the new chief came about 90 minutes after the firefighters union released a statement condemning the mayor’s choice.

Today's ceremony brought standing ovations.

Former Fire Chief David Costa was among those in the crowd.

After the ceremony, Costa called Farrell "a good friend," and said, "He's the best person for the job."

Farrell will manage 479 firefighters in New England’s second-largest department.

-- projo.com staff writer Kate Bramson

Posted by Jack Perry  at 11:12 AM | Permalink

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