Cranston to say good-bye to its Fire Chief, James Warren, retiring after 38 years

Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins today expressed appreciation and congratulations to Cranston Fire Chief James Warren on his pending retirement as the leader of one of the state’s busiest fire departments.

“Chief Jim Warren has had a distinguished thirty-eight-year career in public safety for the residents of Cranston and he will be missed as he begins a new chapter in his life upon a well-deserved retirement.” 

Warren will officially retire from his role next week on Dec. 29, 2023. As Fire Chief for the last three years, the mayor said Warren has been a key advisor and department head for his administration.  

“Jim Warren has been a great leader for the fire department and the citizens of Cranston have benefited by his professional and capable command of the department,” said Hopkins.

The mayor noted that Chief Warren has overseen a fire department which, every day, gets high marks from citizens for their fire and emergency rescue services.  

“Cranston residents know that in times of fire or medical emergency, Cranston fire personnel stand ready to promptly and professionally respond,” Hopkins said. “Chief Warren’s stewardship as fire chief has continued the great tradition of fire service protection in our community.” 

“From the earliest days of my administration, Jim helped lead our city efforts as we implemented a Covid 19 vaccination program with our Department of Senior Services,” Hopkins continued.  “We didn’t have a governmental model to follow and with Jim’s leadership we were able to implement a plan to successfully vaccinate hundreds of senior residents in a smooth and effective program.” 

As recently as this week, Hopkins noted, Chief Warren led public safety efforts to rescue and protect residents impacted by the extensive rain and flooding that impacted some low-lying Cranston neighborhoods. 

Mayor Hopkins commended Warren on his administrative efforts to manage the department’s $37 million budget. With attention to proper staffing levels, encouraging firefighters to return to work after injury recovery and overseeing two recruiting drives, the mayor said Chief Warren has impacted the management operations of the department. Hopkins added, “most importantly” that he has encouraged and promoted the department in diversity and minority recruitment.  

“My priority for our fire department to attract and hire female and minority candidates has met with success because of Jim Warren’s leadership,” Hopkins said. 

Chief Warren will be placed on the pension roll at his request as of December 29, 2023. 

“On behalf of all Cranstonians, I thank Jim for his long and unselfish commitment to public service and wish him and his wife Colleen the best as they start a new chapter in their lives upon the chief’s deserving retirement,” Hopkins said.

The mayor concluded by stating he is interviewing candidates for the chief’s position and will forward his selection to the City Council for their advice and consent in the near future.