Eugene Jalette, Director of Public Safety, Names Robert Cahill as Woonsocket’s New Fire Chief
WOONSOCKET, R.I.: Eugene Jalette, Director of Public Safety, today announced that Deputy Chief Robert Cahill will be appointed the City of Woonsocket’s new Fire Chief effective Sunday, May 21, 2023. Cahill, a 32-year veteran of the Woonsocket Fire Department (WFD) will replace Paul Shatraw who recently retired after 37 years of service. An official swearing-in ceremony for Chief Cahill will be held at a future, yet-tobe-determined, date.
Robert Cahill has served in multiple leadership roles in the WFD, including promotions to Deputy Chief in 2023, and Captain in 2016. He has instructed in fire training, CPR, Tactical Emergency Casualty Care, fire safety, emergency vehicle operations, and EMT. Cahill has collaborated with police and school officials on school building safety, participated in the development of the regional burn safety facility, and organized logistics for the regional Rapid Intervention Team. He is a lifelong Woonsocket resident and a graduate of Woonsocket public schools.
The City conducted a comprehensive search effort to fill the Fire Chief position. A total of 12 qualified candidates applied for the position (6 in-state & 6 out-of-state), 4 of which were members of the WFD. After a detailed assessment process that included interviews, a finalist group of 4 candidates, 3 of which were members of the WFD, was determined, and subsequently evaluated.
Director Jalette stated, “After an extensive recruitment and assessment process, I am pleased to appoint Robert Cahill as Woonsocket’s next Fire Chief. We had very strong candidates, and the decision was difficult, but in the end, we determined that Robert was best suited to build upon solid foundation left behind by former Chief Paul Shatraw.”
The Mayor added, “Robert is highly qualified and cares deeply for the public safety of our residents and businesses, as well as for the welfare of his fellow firefighters. I look forward to working with him in his new capacity, and I am confident that he will elevate our department’s high standards of excellence.”
Deputy Chief Robert Cahill expressed, “It is an honor to be selected as Fire Chief. I hope to achieve the standards set by prior Chiefs. I am looking forward to my new role in leading the men and women of the Woonsocket Fire Department and continuing to serve my community.”
Director Jalette stated, “This was one of the most difficult decisions I have had as an appointing authority because of the high quality of our 4 finalists, three of whom had already demonstrated excellence as members of the WFD. I want to thank all our candidates and congratulate Robert Cahill on his appointment to Fire Chief. I know he will effectively lead the department and continue the high quality of fire public safety service to our community.”