Fire Chief Stepping Down Sunday

East Providence Fire Chief Joseph Klucznik is resigning effective Sunday, Dec. 30.

“I had no choice,” Klucznik said in an East Providence Post story. “I’m finally doing what’s best for me and my family.”

Klucznik said "outstanding contract issues pertaining to his current compensation, his pension and medical coverage" are the reasons why he is leaving his post, according to the Post story. He submitted his resignation to City Manager Peter Graczykowski on Dec. 18.

Klucznik has been chief for more than 6 of the 26 years he has been an East Providence firefighter.

“My back was to the wall. I basically had to decide whether to retire or not,” Klucznik said. “There were possible changes coming with my contract, my pension and benefits. A decision needed to made by the end of the year.”

Who takes over as interim chief remains to be determined. There is no second in command and no line of succession.

The chief was aware of the emotional toll the decision made on him personally.

“I feel like my heart is being ripped away from the East Providence Fire Department,” he said.

“It’s definitely bittersweet, but for the first time in my professional life I’m putting my family first,” he continued.

See the complete story here.