William "Bill" Perry sworn in as East Greenwich fire chief at town ceremony

William (Bill) Perry was sworn in as fire chief of East Greenwich during a public ceremony at the Feb. 24 Town Council meeting.

Town Council President Mark Schwager administered the oath with Town Clerk Lee Carney reading the formal text; Perry's family joined the ceremony and the East Greenwich Fire Department honor guard presented and retired the colors. "Do you, William Perry, solemnly swear that you will support the Constitution and obey the laws of The United States of America and of the state of Rhode Island? 'that you will, in all respects, observe the provisions of the charter and the ordinances of the town of East Greenwich and that you will faithfully discharge the duties of fire chief for the town of East Greenwich?" Carney asked as part of the oath.

Perry thanked his family and pledged to lead. "I pledge to lead this exceptional organization with unwavering dedication and uphold the highest standards of professionalism," Chief Perry told the gathered officials and residents. He also pledged to be "fully engaged in the community and committed to providing exceptional emergency services this community deserves." Perry has served in the East Greenwich Fire Department in several roles and had been interim chief since September; the Town Council formally approved his appointment on Jan. 13, 2025.

Town leaders and fellow chiefs attended. Town Manager Andrew Nada and council members praised Perry's experience, local knowledge and collaborative approach during the appointment process. Several neighboring fire chiefs and a representative from the Rhode Island State Association of Firefighters were listed among those in attendance.

Ending

The council recessed briefly after the ceremony for a meet-and-greet. No additional action was required at the Feb. 24 meeting related to the appointment; the council had previously affirmed the manager's recommendation in January.