Mayor Hopkins picks Deputy Chief Robert Ryan, 36 years a firefighter, for Cranston Fire Chief

Photo: Cranston City Council Chambers

Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins has announced the selection of Deputy Chief Robert Ryan to serve as Cranston’s next Fire Chief.

Ryan, a thirty-six-year Cranston firefighter, will succeed James Warren as the leader of the fire department. In making the announcement, Hopkins said he was very pleased to appoint Ryan to lead Cranston’s fire and emergency medical service personnel.

“I interviewed three highly qualified candidates to be our Chief, but in the end, I just felt that Chief Ryan was the right person at this time to take the department reins,” Hopkins said. “His thirty-six years of service and experience across the varied divisions and tasks of firefighting makes Chief Ryan an excellent choice.  He has my confidence and is well respected by the rank-and-file members of the fire department.”

Robert Ryan joined the Cranston Fire Department in January 1988 and has risen through the ranks while serving in all stations around the city. As Deputy Chief since January 2019, Ryan currently has command responsibility for one half of the city and provides direct supervision of personnel in Stations 1, 2 and 3.  He responds to all fire or emergency calls in his designated area to provide in the field supervision to Cranston’s first responders.

The mayor said during his distinguished career Chief Ryan has seen and responded to thousands of calls to assist residents and businesses involved with fires, accidents, and medical emergencies.

“Chief Ryan will bring that broad based experience to the chief’s office as he enters a new role of management leadership for departmental administration,” Hopkins said. “Overseeing the full complement of firefighters and the $37 million budget will demand Chief Ryan to draw upon his firefighting knowledge of equipment, recruitment, training, disaster preparation and staffing.”

“I am honored and grateful to Mayor Hopkins for his confidence in selecting me to be Cranston’s next fire chief,” Ryan said. “I pledge to the members of the department and the Cranston community that we will work hard every day to protect the city and maintain our excellent record of fire and emergency services.”

Robert Ryan resides in Scituate with his wife Jane, and they are the proud parents of three adult children.

The mayor said he is forwarding Deputy Chief Robert Ryan’s name to the City Council for its advice and consent.  A hearing will be scheduled before the Council Finance Committee at a date to be determined in consultation with the city council leadership.