February 28, 2024
Mayor Hopkins Swears in Robert Ryan as Cranston’s Twentieth Fire Chief
CRANSTON – Mayor Kenneth J. Hopkins administered the oath of office to Cranston’s new Fire Chief Robert Ryan in a ceremony held in the Cranston High School East auditorium on February 27, 2024.
Ryan was installed as twentieth fire chief in the one-hundred-year history of the fire department. The swearing ceremony took place before members of the Ryan family, elected officials, fellow fire chiefs from across the state, and numerous current and former members of the Cranston Fire Department. Ryan’s wife, Jane, pinned the new chief’s badge on his uniform after Mayor Hopkins swore the chief into his new post.
The Mayor’s nomination of Ryan was given unanimous approval by the City Council on Monday evening. Mayor Hopkins in his remarks praised Ryan’s long tenure with the department and welcomed him to lead Cranston’s fire and emergency medical service personnel.
“His experience across all divisions and stations in our city made my selection of Bob Ryan as our Chief, a comfortable one,” Hopkins said. “Ryan is a firefighter’s firefighter... I am confident that Chief Ryan will capably lead while ensuring that the citizens of Cranston continue to be served in all fire and emergency calls by Cranston’s dedicated first responders.”
Ryan in his remarks thanked Mayor Hopkins for his confidence and for the honor of leading Cranston’s fire personnel. He shared his travels through the department during his thirty-six years of service and experience across the varied divisions and tasks of firefighting.
Robert Ryan started with the Cranston Fire Department in January of 1988 and rose through the ranks while serving across the city at various stations. He became a Deputy Chief in January 2019, and was responsible for commanding one half of the city with direct supervision of personnel in Stations 1, 2 and 3. He now will lead the 196 firefighters and 15 civilians of the department and oversee its $37 million budget.
Fire Chief Ryan succeeds James Warren who retired in December. Warren attended the ceremony along with former Fire Chiefs William McKenna, Stephen MacIntosh, Anthony Mastantuono to honor their former colleague. Police Colonel Michael Winquist also attended to recognize his public service colleague.
Mayor Hopkins Signs on In Support of National Children’s Dental Health Month
CRANSTON — At Children’s Dental Health, dentists have spent the last few weeks raising awareness of the importance of pediatric dental care. Additionally, local lawmakers reintroduced a bill that would increase transparency in dental insurance.
“Providing free dental screenings to our school-age children with unmet oral health needs is a critical step towards ensuring every child in Cranston has access to necessary dental care,” Hopkins said.
Starting in March, Dr. Shenoy of RI Periodontics will be working with the Cranston School Department by visiting schools to provide free dental screenings to children.
Families interested in dental screenings for their children should inquire through the school department.
On Feb. 23, Hopkins signed a proclamation supporting the American and RI Dental Association’s celebration of February as National Children’s Dental Health Month.
A corresponding resolution was presented to the City Council, sponsored by City-wide Council Woman Nicole Renzulli, Councilman Chris Paplauskas, and Councilman Richard Campopiano.
Thank you, City Workers
Thank you to all of our public works, highway, building, parks and recreation, and public safety employees for their hard work during this winter season’s snow storms!