Robert McCall is named the new chief of the #MiddletownRI Fire Department, drawing loud applause and significant support from his colleagues, officials and residents Monday night. Congratulations Chief and continue to make us and our town proud.
McCALL NAMED NEW MIDDLETOWN FIRE CHIEF
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (MAY 19, 2025) – Robert McCall is the new chief of the Middletown Fire Department.
Fulfilling a lifelong dream, McCall was named to the department’s top spot Monday night by the Town Council during a well-attended ceremony in Town Hall after a national search.
Close to a 20-year veteran of Middletown Fire and close to 30 years in the field, McCall said he never could have imagined becoming chief when he was hired in July 2005.
McCall had been serving as interim fire chief since October 2024, when James Peplau left for a job with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“When I started this journey nearly 30 years ago, my only goal was to be a firefighter — to ride backwards on a fire truck. That was the dream,” McCall said. “To now be promoted at my dream job — to the rank of Chief of Department — is something I never imagined. I am beyond humbled and honored. I haven’t earned the title of Fire Chief — I’ve been granted the opportunity. And I’ll spend every day working to earn it.”
McCall also made it clear being the chief was not about him, but the community as a whole.
“I want everyone to know — I’m not the Fire Chief, I’m your Fire Chief,” McCall said. “I believe in having an open-door policy. If you need anything — stop in, call me, email me. I’m here to serve, and I want to earn this position every day through hard work, transparency, and a commitment to our team and our town.”
Council President Paul M. Rodrigues said McCall was symbolic of what’s best of the Middletown Fire. Stepping in to lead the department on an interim basis on multiple occasions when there was a need for a chief, Rodrigues said McCall has always been a complete and total professional.
Reiterating one of his themes, Rodrigues said it was “awesome” to promote from within the department, something he said with the appointment of longtime Middletown Police veteran Jason Ryan as chief last December.
“We’re super proud of you and looking forward to really great things,” Rodrigues said. “You could have easily taken your ball and gone home and you didn’t. That really speaks to your character and the kind of character we look for with the town. We look to make every department as great as we possibly can and we need that leadership and you have that and will be able to provide that leadership to the men and women of the Fire Department.”
The always affable McCall had a long list of people he wanted to thank for their support and helping make Monday night happen.
First was his wife Janelle and the couple’s two sons, Cole and Cameron, who have supported his journey as a firefighter, the crazy hours, stress and all that goes into being an emergency responder.
He also credited his mother Lynn and late father Ken — who passed away seven years ago — for being so supportive and believing throughout the good days and bad.
The same was true with the Fire Department itself, both current and retired members — the Town Council, Town Administrator Shawn J. Brown and town staff for their trust and efforts throughout the hiring process.
“I would be remiss if I didn’t thank Sharon Coughlin, our Administrative Assistant. I always say she’s the real Fire Chief and her knowledge and support have been invaluable,” McCall said. “Finally, I want to say ‘Thank you!’ to the citizens of Middletown. So many people have come up to me with kind words and encouragement — it means more than I can say.”
Asked if he had big plans for the department in his new role, McCall said that’s not how he operates — ever.
Instead, he said he wanted to continue the department’s good work and listen and learn along the way to try to help make Middletown Fire the best it could be.
“No big changes are planned right now,” McCall said. “My goal is to listen — to the members of the department and to the community. I want to sit down with our personnel, hear their ideas and concerns, and talk about how we can make things better. I also want to engage with the community and understand how we can continue to improve the way we serve them.”
In terms of the best attribute of the department, McCall had one word — its firefighters and staff.
“It’s definitely the personnel,” McCall said. “Middletown is fortunate to have some of the best men and women working here. As Battalion Chief and Interim Chief, I’ve seen time and again how dedicated they are. Every day they show up ready to perform, no questions asked. The fire service has changed dramatically — it’s not just fires anymore. Our firefighters might go from putting out a fire to interpreting heart rhythms and administering life-saving medications, and then rescuing someone from the ocean, all within the same shift. The officers, firefighters, and dispatchers all step up, no matter what the call is.”
Acknowledging being a member of the fire service wasn’t for everyone, McCall liked knowing he makes a difference.
“Being a firefighter today means being ready for anything,” McCall said. “People rely on us not just for fire suppression, but also for emergency medical care, technical rescues, hazardous materials response, and more. In many ways, we’re the first line of help in someone’s worst moment. That responsibility is huge, and it matters because people still need someone to show up — quickly, competently, and compassionately. It’s about being that steady presence in a crisis.”
For those looking for an exciting job where it’s never the same day twice, McCall encouraged them to consider trying to become a firefighter.
“I’d tell people ‘To go for it,’” McCall said. “If you're willing to put in the hard work, it’s one of the most rewarding careers out there. It’s not easy. You’ll miss holidays, you’ll have long nights, and you’ll face tough situations. But you’ll also be part of something bigger than yourself. You’ll make a difference in people’s lives, sometimes in ways you don’t even realize until much later. If you’re passionate about helping others, this is the job for you.”
And that’s a big reason why McCall said he still enjoys going to work every day and serving the same community close to two decades later.
“My proudest moments are the small, quiet ones — when someone we’ve helped comes back to thank us,” McCall said. “It’s in those moments that all the effort, all the training, and all the sacrifices feel worth it. It reminds me why we do what we do.
“Middletown is a beautiful coastal town, and being able to serve here is a privilege. I love the department itself and the way we operate. We rotate between working on the engine, ladder truck, and rescue, so every tour brings something new. That kind of structure pushes you to be well-rounded and train hard to be excellent in all areas of the job.”
Document Link: https://mdl.town/NYCU-McCall
About Middletown
The Town of Middletown is a vibrant municipality located on Aquidneck Island, known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, diverse economy and strong sense of community. For more information about all we have to offer, visit MiddletownRI.gov online.
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