Bristol Fire Chief Michael DeMello was among the first recipients of the “Excellence in Municipal Government” awards, announced by the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns.
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Bristol Fire Chief Michael DeMello was among the first recipients of the “Excellence in Municipal Government” awards, announced at the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns 54th annual meeting, held on Thursday, Sept. 22.
The awards were presented to municipal employees and elected officials who have made significant contributions to their city or town. The League selected three honorees, one for each category, based on the size of the municipality. Bristol’s own DeMello was recognized among the mid-sized communities for notable accomplishments including securing a Port Security Grant that enabled the purchase of a Narraganset Bay Task Force Firefighting Boat that has been serving many shoreline communities; leadership on various professional boards that has increased firefighting professional development and facilitated the opening of the RI Fire Academy; and his tireless efforts collaborating with other local departments to provide testing and vaccination clinics during the pandemic.
The other two honorees were Elizabeth Cook-Martin, Hopkinton Town Clerk, and David Mambro, Superintendent of Sewer, City of Providence.
DeMello was appointed Fire Chief in 2016 after serving as a Fire Lieutenant and Paramedic for over 20 years. He currently serves as the Second Vice President of the RI State Fire Chiefs Association and a RI State Director with the New England Association of Fire Chiefs. DeMello was awarded the designation of Chief Fire Officer by the Center for Public Safety Excellence in 2021.
In his nomination letter, Town Administrator Steven Contente wrote that “Chief DeMello's leadership of the mainly volunteer Bristol Fire Department has maintained a high level of participation, professionalism and morale, resulting in an improved Insurance Service Organization rating for the community that reduced insurance premiums for businesses and residents.”
“Chief DeMello, while serving on Firegrounds or while acting at the Local Emergency Management Director, is always calm and focused on safe operations and outcomes,” wrote Contente.
“The award was much appreciated and very humbling since there are so many around the state that are equally deserving,” said DeMello. “Thank you to Administrator Contente, the Town Council, department heads, and every town employee and volunteer that work collaboratively daily for the benefit of the community. The award highlights the success of our community and how cooperative efforts accomplish great things for the benefit of all.”