Chief Steven Pinch and the Union Fire District of South Kingstown (UFD) are pleased to announce that Dennis Bernier has been selected as the new Fire Marshal, and Keith Maine as the new Assistant Fire Marshal.

Bernier was sworn in by the Board of Wardens during a ceremony on Oct. 23.

Bernier previously served as the District’s Assistant Fire Marshal since 2021. During his time as Assistant Fire Marshal, he assisted the Fire Marshal on Fire and Life Safety Code Enforcement, Building Plan Review, tent permits and mass gathering permits, led the Fire Safety Program for students Grades K-12, conducted a variety of inspections.He also worked in collaboration with the State of Rhode Island Fire Investigators with Fire and Arson Investigation in the Town of South Kingstown.

Keith Maine was sworn in as the new Assistant Fire Marshal by the Board of Wardens on Nov. 6.

Maine brings to UFD his previous experience serving as the Fire Marshal/Firefighter at the Watch Hill Fire District in Westerly. He also served as a Fire Lieutenant for the Wakefield Fire Department and as a Battalion Chief for the Union Fire District.

“Both Dennis and Keith are qualified, outstanding individuals who work continuously to keep their communities safe,” said Chief Pinch. “I congratulate them both on their new roles and wish them the best of luck as they embark on this next chapter of their careers.”