Newly hired Hopkins Hill Chief John Potvin’s career began when he volunteered with the Hopkins Hill Fire District at 15-years-old. It was the experience of volunteering that helped him decide he wanted to pursue being be a firefighter. He went on to work in East Providence for 26 and-a-half years before deciding to apply for the chief position at Hopkins Hill, coming full circle to the station he started at.
“I’ve always been connected to the department in some way, shape, or form, even over the past 26 and a half years,” he said.
TAKING OVER FOR RETIRED CHIEF FRANK BROWN
Potvin has taken over for former Chief Frank Brown, who retired this past March after 49 years of service. “It’s nice, but it also adds some challenges,” Potvin remarked.
All of the personnel at Hopkins Hill have worked for only one chief up to now. Potvin has spent the first three months listening and learning, and Brown is still in close proximity to answer any questions Potvin has regarding the systems Brown has built. Fortunately, Potvin’s always been an eager study.
“I have always tried to be a lifelong learner,” Potvin said, adding that he’s excited to be back at the department.
POTVIN OUTLINES GOALS AND EXPECTATIONS
During his time as chief, Potvin hopes to update and refresh some of the policies and procedures, as well as updating and improving their training program.
Potvin is also returning to Coventry when the goal of merging into one department, a vision for the past 50 years, seems to be within reach. “It sounds like we’re closer than we’ve ever been,” Potvin said.
Having a fire department separated into four different departments has posed many challenges for Coventry, such as confusion regarding who to call for rescue billing and where to distribute fire reports.
“Having one department would certainly make us more effective and more efficient,” Potvin said. He is looking forward to being a part of and assisting in this change in whatever way he can in his new role as chief.
Whether it’s responding to emergencies, doing smoke detector inspections, or doing paperwork, the new chief is excited and ready to serve his community, and to get to know the people of Coventry better. He feels being back at Hopkins Hill has been a very sweet experience, and being chief has allowed him to get to know the community better apart from responding to emergencies.
“I like to think that we’re the trusted neighbor in the community and that day or night if you need something, whether it’s a squirrel stuck in your house or, God forbid, somebody is not breathing or your house is on fire, that we’re there.” he said.
Author: Natalie Ferland
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