Retiring Warren Fire Chief Al Galinelli wasn’t expecting too much when he strolled into the Market Street Pub after a fire department meeting last Wednesday night; maybe something cool to drink. But he was blown away by what greeted him —a loud round of applause and handshakes from a jam-packed crowd that had waited patiently to surprise their beloved fire chief one more time.
“I never expected anything like this,” Chief Galinelli said later. “This was a total surprise to me.”
But old friend Raymond Rodrigues of Rod’s Grille wasn’t so sure.
“I’m sure he must have been a little suspicious,” he said. “I bet he already knew about this.” The surprise party was thrown by friends and members of the Rhode Island Warrior Foundation, who presented the chief with a “Community Action Award” for his years of dedication to the Town of Warren. He will leave the force on Friday, Oct. 27, after 29 years as Warren’s fire chief and 50-plus years of service to the town.