Mayor Elorza today announced that Assistant Fire Chief Scott Mello will serve as the Providence Fire Department’s Acting Fire Chief following the retirement of Chief Clarence A. Cunha.
“Chief Cunha’s commitment to the safety of Providence and its residents has been exemplary. On behalf of a grateful city, I thank Chief Cunha for his service and wish him well as he begins the next chapter in his life,” said Mayor Elorza. “Assistant Chief Scott Mello has been with the Providence Fire Department for over 30 years, and throughout his career has demonstrated courage and leadership that befit the responsibilities of acting Chief. I look forward to working with him in that role.”
Chief Clarence A. Cunha has been a member of the Providence Fire Department for nearly 35 years serving as Chief of the Department since December 2013. During his tenure with the department, Cunha has received numerous awards, commendations and citations for heroic and meritorious actions. Chief Cunha has reached the Department’s mandatory retirement age and will be leaving the Department in mid-July.
Assistant Chief of Department Scott G. Mello has been with the Providence Fire Department since 1984 and served as Assistant Chief of Department since February. Over the course of his 30 years with the department, Mello worked at the Branch Avenue, LaSalle Square, and Broad Street fire stations for nearly 25 years before being named Director of Training in 2011. Mello holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Rhode Island College and an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science from Providence College.
“I thank Chief Cunha for his years of distinguished service and am glad to have had the opportunity to work with him,” said Chief Mello. “I am honored to be asked to serve as acting chief and look forward to working with tireless dedication and commitment to the safety of Providence.”
As Acting Chief of Department, Chief Mello will assume all duties and responsibilities of the office as the administration conducts a search to fill the position.