It was official on Monday, Dec. 14: Town Administrator Steven Contente struck the “interim” from Chris Parella’s title, naming him Bristol’s new director of public works. He’ll face a big test Thursday; at press time, the region was expecting up to a foot of snow.

It won’t be Mr. Parella’s first test, however. He’s actually been working for the Town of Bristol throughout much of 2020, first helping to roll out the new trash pickup program, then, when COVID struck, he was tasked with running the town emergency hotline, overseeing deliveries of medications and meals, and fielding questions and concerns from residents. When former DPW Director Kevin McBride departed the post over the summer, Mr. Contente asked Mr. Parella to step in.

Unlike many in similar positions, Mr. Parella is not a professional engineer, but given that the town routinely hires consulting engineers for specific projects, Mr. Contente did not see that as an issue. What did appeal to Mr. Contente was Mr. Parella’s lengthy career in law enforcement in East Providence, including several years as chief, as well as his service as acting city manager.

“He has over 30 years of demonstrated responsiveness to residents, keeping morale high, and an attention to safety,” said Mr. Contente. “He’s a problem solver who doesn’t shy away from hands on, face-to-face interaction with the public.”

“His responsiveness to the public and commitment to personnel safety and the fact that we have heard nothing but positive feedback on the job he has done as interim, made him the clear choice” for the job, Mr. Contente said. It comes with an $88,504 annual salary.

Despite his long tenure and residence in East Providence, Mr. Parella is a local hire. Raised here, he graduated from Bristol High School in 1980 before earning bachelor’s degrees in Administration of Justice and Physical Education. His will be a familiar face to anyone who spent any time at the late, lamented Bristol YMCA in the 1980s.

“He knows Bristol intimately,” said Mr. Contente.

The YMCA also happens to be where he met his wife of 31 years, Nancy, a teacher at St. Mary Academy Bay View. Together they raised two daughters in East Providence.

Mr. Parella is happy that work has brought him back to his hometown. “When I retired (from the EPPD) I said to myself, if public service isn’t in your heart, you shouldn’t be doing it,” he said.

He holds his new employer in exceptionally high regard. “I really like working for Steve Contente,” he said. “He’s refreshingly pragmatic. He’s all about getting things done.”

He added, “I really like this work, but I don’t know that I’d want to do it anywhere else.” Part of that is his love for his hometown, but also the impression the employees of Bristol’s DPW have made on him, in just a few short months.

“I’m so impressed with the crew here, their talent and the pride they have in their work,” he said. “I think it’s because they all live here, and every celebration in town begins with them. If you grew up here, you know what I’m talking about — it’s in your blood … I’m so glad to be back.”