EAST PROVIDENCE — Glenn Quick has been chosen as the new chief of the East Providence Fire Department, replacing recently retired Oscar Elmasian in the position.

The office of Mayor Bob DaSilva made the announcement of the expected promotion public in a press release Wednesday morning, Nov. 20. Chief Quick, who has been in the post on an interim basis for some 10 weeks, was appointed by the mayor following the recommendation by a panel of fire officials upon interviewing candidates.

“The process enabled the panel and me to learn firsthand of the incredible talent pool of leaders with the East Providence Fire Department,” Mayor DaSilva was quoted in the release.

He continued, “Glenn Quick has decades of experience in the fire service and is well-respected amongst his brothers and sisters in the fire service and has proven his teamwork and extraordinary leadership skills.”

Chief Quick served the position in an acting capacity since September when former Chief Elmasian stepped away from the post after six years on the job. Chief Quick has been in fire service for more than 30 years.

“I would like to thank Mayor DaSilva for giving me the opportunity to lead the men and women of this great department,” Chief Quick said. “It will be my job to promote a safe and healthy work environment for our firefighters and deliver the best services to our citizens.”

A recipient of the Commendation of Merit award for heroic rescues, Chief Quick began his career as a firefighter with the EPFD in 1987 and has risen through the ranks to assistant fire marshal, engine lieutenant, fire marshal, engine captain, battalion chief of operations, battalion chief of the hazardous materials team and battalion chief of fire department personnel.

During his time with the department, Chief Quick established a 35-member Hazardous Materials Team and served as team leader. He also served as chairman of the Grants Committee, where he was able to secure $16 million in federal, state and local grants. In addition, he was responsible for overseeing code compliance for a number of businesses within the city and served on numerous state and local specialty committees, including the Hazmat and Local Emergency Planning Committee.

Along with his EPFD duties, Chief Quick currently serves as a member of the Rhode Island Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators and has served as a member of the International Fire Service Training Association, the Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Association, and chairman of the Union Executive Board Local 850. He earned his Associate of Fire Science degree at Community College of Rhode Island.