Search For New Fire Chief Continues

Following the resignation of Fire Chief Andrew J. Baynes, effective January 18, Johnston is continuing its nationwide search for a replacement, Chief of Staff Doug Jeffrey said in a phone interview this morning.

"We're expecting the process to take about 60 days," explaine Jeffrey, who added the town is advertising in national publications, including Fire Chief Magazine.

In the meantime, Jeffrey said Johnston officials "have been working with batallion chiefs from neighboring communities in covering the position" when needed. Smithfield, Cranston, Providence, and North Providence have all "cooperated fully" with the plan to have one of their fire chiefs manage incidents in town.

Baynes filed a letter of resignation with Mayor Joseph M. Polisena in December 2010 after four years in the position. A retired batallion chief from Warwick, Baynes suspended his retirement to take the Johnston post.

Correction: The original version of this article stated that batallion chiefs from local communities would step in to manage incidents; Mayor Polisena told JohnstonPatch on January 20 that it would be fire chiefs from Providence, North Providence, Cranston, and Smithfield who would assist if needed. A correction was made to the third paragraph.