Portsmouth Appoints New Deputy Fire Chief

The Town Council unanimously voted to appoint Lt. Joseph F. Bento III as the new deputy fire chief on Monday evening.

The vote was 5-0 with Councilors Karen Gleason and Dennis Canario absent.

"Congratulations," said Council President Peter J. McIntyre to Bento, who has served as the town's fire safety code inspector since April 2003.

Bento, a Tiverton resident, will be sworn in officially as deputy fire chief at the next Town Council meeting to be held Sept. 13. However, the position was effective immediately, said McIntyre. 

The vote was taken during an executive session held Monday evening at Town Hall. The Town Council reported out the vote during the public session.

Bento has served with the Portsmouth Fire Department since November 1988. He is the town's current fire safety code inspector and fire alarm inspector.

Prior to joining the Portsmouth Fire Department, he served as a firefighter in Tiverton and as a member of the Stone Bridge Volunteer Fire Department.

Bento holds a degree in fire science, as well as many certificates and licenses in fire alarm testing and investigation.