On Monday evening, the Rhode Island Southern Firefighter's League held their Installation of Officers at their monthly meeting. The league is tasked with assisting departments in Washington & Kent Counties with mutual aid, radio communications, and training. The league also supports regional efforts such as the Hope Valley Regional Hazmat team and the Westerly Regional Trench Rescue team.

The league's longtime President, Chief Fred Stanley, who recently retired from the Hope Valley Fire Department, presided over his last meeting. Chief Stanley has done much for the fire service across the region in his over 50 years as a fire chief with over 20 of those as the President of the Southern League. On behalf of the Watch Hill Fire Department, we salute and thank Chief Stanley for his many years of service and dedication!

Among the new officers installed are two Watch Hill Firefighters. Chief Bob Peacock was named as the League's Vice President and Lieutenant Christopher Koretski was named as the League's Secretary. Also installed were Chief Nathan Barrington of the Kingston Fire Department as President, Chief Justin Lee of the Hope Valley Fire Department as the Treasurer, and Chief Scott Barber of the Richmond-Carolina Fire Department as the League's Director at Large.

Congratulations to all the league officers! We look forward to working with all of you in the coming year.