A familiar face will lead the Tiverton Fire Department for the foreseeable future, with the swearing-in Friday of former deputy fire chief Joshua Ferreira as interim chief.

Ferreira, a lifelong Tiverton resident who joined the force as an EMT after graduating from Tiverton High School in 2002, was appointed deputy chief in 2024. Ferreira has also held the ranks of lieutenant and captain, as well as previously serving as the department's Emergency Medical Services (EMS) director and infectious control officer.

Ferreira replaces former chief William Bailey, who had served since 2022. Town Administrator Patrick Jones said the decision to part ways was mutual after Bailey’s contract expired on Thursday, Nov. 13.

“I’ve known (Ferreira) for a number of years, both in my position as police chief and as town administrator. I expect and look forward to good things,” he said.

Jones said that the search for a permanent chief is expected to begin in January.

Bailey was unavailable to comment — a voicemail left on his cell phone Friday was not returned.