East Providence Fire Department promotes new lieutenant

East Providence, RI – The City of East Providence Fire Department has promoted a new lieutenant.

Firefighter Joseph W. Burns was sworn in by Mayor Bob DaSilva to the rank of lieutenant of the East Providence Fire Dept. on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019.

“The promotion to a leadership position is a natural transition for Joseph Burns who has exhibited decades of professional service to this community,” Mayor DaSilva said.

Lt. Burns, who has been with the East Providence Fire Department for the past 24 years, was a member of the 24th Training Academy and appointed to the EPFD in July 1995.

“Joe is a valued firefighter who will be a great leader and lieutenant,” Acting Chief Glenn Quick said. “He’s an even-keeled, by-the-book kind of guy.

“He’s a family man and all around great guy who will lead with pride and professionalism,” Quick added.

Burns, an EMT-Cardiac, is also a member of the HazMat team and the Technical Rescue Team.


Upon his promotion, Lt. Burns will be the officer of Engine 3, Group D.

Burns studied physical education at Rhode Island College and liberal arts at the Community College of Rhode Island.