Paul Ford Named New Portsmouth Fire Chief

PORTSMOUTH, RI — The town swore in Paul Ford as the town’s new fire chief Tuesday morning during a brief ceremony.

Town officials and firefighters gathered outside the fire station as Town Clerk Jennifer West led the swearing in.

Ford, 57 is replacing Michael Cranson. Cranson retired this summer after serving 27 years with the Portsmouth Fire Department.

Ford's previous experience includes serving at the fire chief for Fall River and Brookline, Massachusetts. He's been a firefighter for 35 years.

Ford was one of nine applicants who got an an interview. He was the unanimous choice by an interview panel consisting of three fire chiefs and Portsmouth Human Resources Director Lisa Puglia.

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