Warwick’s new fire chief, like many who ascend to the top rank, came from a firefighting family. Firefighting was in his blood as a kid and is just as much a part of him at the age of 48, married and the father of a son.

But James McLaughlin, who took the oath of office in a ceremony at City Hall last night, picked Warwick to launch his career rather than seek to follow in the footsteps of his father. His father, Gilbert, retired as chief of the Providence Fire Department after 35 years of service.

McLaughlin said he wanted to make a mark for himself and applied to the Warwick department while a student at Providence College. He joined the department in 1988.

McLaughlin said there’s a lot of “positive momentum” going for the Warwick department, which he credits to Edmund Armstrong, who retired on Jan. 24. He cites the recent opening of Station 10 in Potowomut, construction of a fire training tower, and the fact that in addition to the department’s nine engines its three ladders and heavy rescue are ALS (advanced life support) vehicles. He also noted that in recent years the department has secured more than $7 million in federal grants, enabling the purchase of equipment, addition of personnel, and training.

The department receives 14,000 to 15,000 calls annually, of which 80 percent are for emergency medical service.

“The department has been handed off in a good spot,” he said.

McLaughlin also points to the department’s dive team, with more than 30 personnel being drive trained; its SWAT medics; that its watercraft is part of the Port of Providence Marine Strike Force; and that it has a statewide hazmat team.

McLaughlin is excited for the technical rescue team, which is slated to complete training in June and will give the department the ability to extricate accident victims caught in confined areas such as a tower for a wind turbine, among other highly skilled actions.

He said Monday night’s accident involving a RIPTA bus that hit a utility pole driving north on Post Road near Sand Pond Road and then veered across the southbound lane to collapse the wall of a commercial building is a good example of the sophisticated skills needed to save lives. He said it took about a half hour to extricate those trapped in the bus, while another crew worked to shore up the building that collapsed after the bus was removed.

As chief, McLaughlin said his foremost responsibility is the safety of his people, and with that in mind his focus is on keeping up with technological advances and training. But the chief is looking to bring some innovative efforts to the department, as well.

In an interview Tuesday, he highlighted programs he planned to mention at last night’s ceremony. He said he is looking to improve communications with the public and in the department.

He said while attending the open house of Station 10 held this past fall, it occurred to him to conduct station open houses monthly throughout the city. He pointed out that while stations are neighborhood-based, many residents have never had the occasion to visit the station or see the equipment and facilities their taxes make possible. He thought one open house per month would be sufficient, with no open houses during the summer.

Also, he wants to address the issue of “falls,” which he said make up the bulk of calls for rescue service. While dealing with someone who has suffered a fall is a routine for EMTs (emergency medical technicians), “it’s anything but ordinary for the person who has fallen down.” McLaughlin is looking for ways to raise awareness about falls and to avoid them by taking precautions and installing home aides. This may take the form of speaking engagements and presentations at the Pilgrim Senior Center, he said.

As for internal communications, McLaughlin said he wants to get out and visit the stations frequently so that he can speak one-on-one and face-to-face with personnel. He is hopeful this informal and personal touch will open up lines of communication across ranks and give him a good understanding of needs and ideas.

McLaughlin likewise is looking to delegate tasks and fully utilize the skills of his staff. He observes that it is through the combined efforts and expertise of many that the department has won $7.5 million in grants over the past six years.

“We do it by working together,” he said.

Looking ahead, he said, “We have got to be able to tap resources. This department is loaded with resources.” He said he will be looking to call upon those with expertise in given areas and “let them do it.” He said his job is to offer guidance and then hold those people accountable.

“We need to be tapping the talent,” he said.

Asked about the department budget and the issue of overtime costs that is habitually raised by the City Council, McLaughlin said the department has a staff of 215, down five from its complement of 220. The chief said he might call for an academy to train recruits for those slots and additional vacancies resulting from retirements in late spring. But, as for staffing at 220, he feels it is sufficient.

Asked what fire or disaster stands out from all his years on the force, McLaughlin didn’t hesitate.

“The Aug. 4 macroburst, the massive destruction, that was a true emergency,” he said.

But McLaughlin also said he can’t forget the feeling when there is the loss of life or serious injury in a fire.

McLaughlin is a 1985 graduate of Cranston High School East and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in fire science at Providence College and a master’s degree in emergency and disaster management. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1997, made captain in 2005, and was promoted to battalion chief in 2009. For the last two years, he has served as assistant chief.

He and his wife Carol live in Greenwood. Their son, Ryan, a graduate of Hendricken High School, is a freshman at WPI.

McLaughlin says firefighting is in his DNA.

“This is something you never outgrow.”

He loves the camaraderie and the bonds created with fellow firefighters, although in his new role he realizes he won’t be the one pulling hoses, climbing ladders, or risking his life to save others. Now he’s responsible for the safety of those under him. It’s a role he’s looking forward to filling.