Returning after more than 21 years of service in the Smithfield Fire Department, newly- appointed Chief Derek Keene is hitting the ground running with initiatives and goals for the department.
Keene, 44, who started on Sept. 15, is a second-generation firefighter, with his father, brother, and uncles serving in Warwick and North Smithfield fire departments. His grandparents were also in the fire service, and helped to build the Primrose Volunteer Fire Department in North Smithfield.
As early as he can remember, said Keene, he was in a fire department. He began full-time at 19 years old in North Smithfield, though he began volunteering at age 14. Keene worked in North Smithfield for three years until he moved to Smithfield.
โMy whole family is fire,โ he said. โI was born into the fire station. I eat, breathe, and sleep fire service since a young age.โ
Keene said he loves everything about the fire service, including the community he serves, to the hierarchy at Town Hall, and the support from the town and businesses.
โThis job is my life and always has been a part of my life. It gave me everything I have today,โ he said.
From 2002 to 2023, Keene said he worked up the ranks on the fire side of the department, working every role along the way, including as lieutenant, captain, fire marshal, and fire inspector. He also worked in training, as deputy chief, and more before stopping at chiefโs aide.
Former interim Fire Chief Matt Pearson is now serving as chiefโs aide. Keene said the pair were classmates in 2002 in the recruitment academy.
โIโve hit every job on the fire side,โ he said.
In 2023, Keene took a position at Babson College as emergency manager. When he learned of the chiefโs position opening in Smithfield, he said he knew it was where he belonged.
โThis department is special. Itโs the only chiefโs position I ever applied for or wanted. I enjoyed getting this position,โ he said. โItโs the best fire department in the state.โ
Speaking of goals for the department, Keene listed several initiatives he intends to start. The health and safety of the community and his department is first and foremost, he said. That needs to be accomplished while ensuring the SFD provides the best service in the state.
