Happy Retirement, Lt. Stone!

Photo Courtesy Portsmouth Fire Department Rhode Island Fanpage

After 20 years serving the residents of Portsmouth, Lt. Kenneth Stone of the Portsmouth Fire Department, has retired.

On Aug. 25, the Town Council lauded Stone for her service to the community and Town Council President James A. Seveney read a proclamation that offered Stone best wishes for the future along with thanks and appreciation.

Stone joined the fire department on June 5, 1994 and his retirement date was exactly 20 years and one day later, on July 5.

Michael Cranson, chief of the department, said Stone has provided emergency care to many sick and injured residents during his career in addition to being an officer on both an engine and at times the tower ladder.

He’s known around the station as the “mayor” of Portsmouth because he’s so well known and respected around town, Cranson said.

“There is no doubt that because of Lt. Stone’s work over the years, lives have been saved,” Cranson said.

For someone working in a high stress, high risk occupation, stone had the right makeup. His calm demeanor “has truly been an asset on the job we perform,” Cranson said.

Along with putting out fires and saving lives, Stone also took it upon himself to landscape around the fire department. And people have noticed.

“People around town frequently comment on how nice the yard around the station is maintained,” Cranson said.

“Lt. Stone was an asset to this department and will be missed,” Cranson said. “I am proud to call him a friend.”