The town’s fire chief has called an end to his full-time career after nearly a half-century in the service.
Chief John Silva III said he’s loved his time in the job, but it’s “time to pass the torch.” He said he’s been talking with Mayor Charles Lombardi about his plans for some time, and it’s “time to retire.”
Silva, 62, (“that magic number” as he describes it) told The Breeze he’s been in fire service for 44 years, and in the paid service since the town went to it in 1989, or 35 years.
“I’m a little older and a little wiser, as they say,” he said.
During his early days in the service, even as he volunteered in North Providence, he worked in airport firefighting and the federal firefighting sector.
Silva said he’s fortunate to be healthy and young enough to still enjoy life.