Retiring fire chief gets a big surprise
Friends, family, RI Warriors Foundation honor retiring chief Al Galinelli
Retiring Warren Fire Chief Al Galinelli wasn’t expecting too much when he strolled into the Market Street Pub after a fire department meeting last Wednesday night; maybe something cool to drink. But he was blown away by what greeted him —a loud round of applause and handshakes from a jam-packed crowd that had waited patiently to surprise their beloved fire chief one more time.
“I never expected anything like this,” Chief Galinelli said later. “This was a total surprise to me.”
But old friend Raymond Rodrigues of Rod’s Grille wasn’t so sure.
“I’m sure he must have been a little suspicious,” he said. “I bet he already knew about this.”
The surprise party was thrown by friends and members of the Rhode Island Warrior Foundation, who presented the chief with a “Community Action Award” for his years of dedication to the Town of Warren. He will leave the force on Friday, Oct. 27, after 29 years as Warren’s fire chief and 50-plus years of service to the town.
“Chief Galinelli is deeply respected by the men and woman he leads,” said the foundation’s Mark Rhynard. “Warren and surrounding communities will undoubtedly miss his service. His impact within the Warren Fire Department will carry on even in his absence and I think that says a lot. He will be missed, not just by the department, but by the entire community.”
There were plenty of friends on hand to help celebrate the chief’s upcoming retirement. Matt Harris, a lieutenant with Engine Five, said the chief is one of the greatest men he’s ever been associated with.
“He’s just a great guy,” Lt. Harris said. “He’s been a leader, a mentor, and a father figure, in some ways. He’s always there for us.”
Chief Galinelli only has a few more weeks left to serve, but he is anxious to sit back and relax a bit during his retirement. He said it’s been a rewarding three decades of fire fighting, administering a time-honored department that many people consider is second to none, and serving his community with total dedication and dignity.
“He’s been more than just a great fire chief,” his daughter, Amy Gallinelli, said. “He’s everything I wish I could be. He’s my hero.”
In addition to his two daughters, Chief Galinelli also has three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
The Rhode Island Warrior Foundation was created by Mark Rhynard’s son, Andrew, and the award honors those in the community who serve with “unselfish actions and contributions.”
