“We are incredibly fortunate to have John in this vital role at the state’s largest acute care facility and only Level I trauma center," Ginaitt said in the statement. "His experience and training will provide the vital experience that this role demands and will help to ensure that we are able to be prepared for any and all emergencies that Rhode Island Hospital may face.”

O’Reilly graduated magna cum laude from Providence College with a bachelor’s degree in fire science, the hospital said. He has gotten numerous certificates and participated in training courses directly related to his new role, the hospital said, including incident management techniques, incident commander simulation, mass casualty decontamination, weapons of mass destruction detection technologies, and U.S. Justice Department domestic preparedness.

He is a National Board-certified safety officer who served as a Providence Fire Academy adjunct faculty member and was an organizing committee member and program originator for the Providence Firefighter Safety and Survival Conference from 1995 to 2001.

With the Providence Fire Department, O’Reilly received a meritorious action first class, two commendable actions, two outstanding service awards, seven department unit citations and other recognition.