John Silva III, a lifelong town resident who started as a volunteer fireman at the age of 16, is North Providence’s new permanent fire chief.
Mayor Charles Lombardi made the announcement during a surprise ceremony on Sunday afternoon after telling Silva’s wife, Patricia, that the move was coming but swearing her to secrecy.
“I was definitely surprised, that’s for sure,” said Silva. “He got me.”
Lombardi said Silva has done a great job over nearly 40 years with the department, most recently as interim chief after former Chief Edward DiGiulio’s announced retirement in June. Silva is a man who’s doing what’s right for the community he loves, and the men and women of the department respect him, said the mayor.
“He’s got the full package,” he said. “He loves the job, the men and women of the department, and he loves the community.” Silva “was a mess” after learning that he’d been named permanent chief, said Lombardi.