Governor Donald L. Carcieri today named Robert J. Warren, Chief of the Cranston Fire Department, as executive director of the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency. Warren is a 27-year veteran of the Cranston Fire Department and has served as Chief since 2000. He is also the director of the Cranston Emergency Management Agency.
In making his announcement, Governor Carcieri cited Warren’s extensive background and ongoing training in emergency response operations.
“Chief Warren is an experienced commander with the technical, organizational, and management skills necessary to move the Emergency Management Agency forward,” Governor Carcieri said. “As Chief of the Cranston Fire Department and the head of the city’s Emergency Management Agency, he has been an effective leader in ensuring the safety of Cranston residents.”
“Chief Warren has worked closely with officials at all levels of government – from local municipalities to the Department of Homeland Security – to coordinate emergency and disaster response. He knows how to execute and carry out complex and difficult operations,” Governor Carcieri said.
“In today’s world, we know disaster can strike anywhere at any time and in many forms – whether it’s an act of terrorism, a chemical spill, or a hurricane,” Carcieri stated. “With Chief Warren heading the state’s emergency management operations, I am confident that Rhode Island will be well-prepared to take on the challenges that lie ahead.”
Warren will be a major catalyst in the ongoing enhancements of RIEMA’s operations, Governor Carcieri said. These enhancements have included, most recently, a state-of-the-art, $1.4 million Mobile Command Center that Governor Carcieri unveiled last week.
“I am honored by the Governor’s faith in me to handle this position. I look forward to working with all of the state and local agencies to prepare for any future emergencies that we may face,” Warren said.
Warren has received certifications from state and national agencies on domestic preparedness, counter-terrorism operations, hurricane preparedness, all-hazards incident management as well fire and incident command training. He is also an instructor and coordinator at the Rhode Island Fire Academy.
In 2000, Warren was named the “Emergency Management Director of the Year” by the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency. He has also received two citations from the Cranston Fire Department for rescues and a citation from the state for his work during a chemical emergency. In August 2004, Warren was the commander of a Rhode Island delegation that assisted in the aftermath of Hurricane Charley in Florida.
Warren joined the Cranston Fire Department as a firefighter in 1978 and has been promoted over the years to Lieutenant, Captain, and Deputy Chief. In 1999, he was named Assistant Chief and became Chief in 2000. He served as Assistant Director of the Cranston Emergency Management Agency in 1997 and was promoted to Director in 1999. He is a member of state, national, and international firefighter and emergency management professional organizations.
Warren, a resident of Wakefield, received a B.S. from Providence College and an A.S. from Rhode Island Junior College.