Providence, R.I. Fire Chief Retiring

After 27 years of service, Providence Fire Chief David Costa is retiring. According to Mayor David Cicilline, Costa will stay on until the end of the year. "I've had an incredible career and it's with mixed feelings that I retire from the Providence Fire Department," Costa said. "I truly believe that we have the best fire department in the northeast with enormous potential, and I couldn't be prouder of the men and women that I've had the privilege of serving with over the years. However, I'm also looking forward to experiencing new challenges." Cicilline said the city will launch a national search for a new chief to lead the state's largest fire department. A graduate of Providence College, Costa developed the department's first-ever professional training program for managers designed to increase efficiency and productivity. He also expanded the department's pool of certified instructors, created a wellness program and instituted a medical monitoring program for firefighters to identify early warning signs of potential health problems.