Department announces death of active duty Rhode Island firefighter, EMT, former Maine Chief

A Rhode Island Fire Department has announced the unexpected passing of one of their own.

Capt. David LaVallee stated with deep regret and profound sadness that the North Scituate Fire Department No. 1 announced the Active-Duty death of Firefighter Stephen P. Fay. Fay previously served with the Warwick Fire Department, retiring as a captain, and the Bridgeton, Maine, Fire Department, serving as Chief of the Department.

Oakland Mapleville Fire Department also stated that Fay was an EMT.

According to an obituary, Fay “was a member of Massachusetts Task Force 1 (MA-TF 1) Urban Search and Rescue Team (US&R). He was also a rigging instructor at the New Hampshire Fire Academy and truly loved to drill the “right way” to do things into those around him.”

“Throughout his career he was an integral component of responding to thousands of emergencies, including some of our city, state, and countries most horrific tragedies; including the 1996 Olympic bombing, Worcester Cold Storage fire, September 11th World Trade Center attack, and the Station Nightclub fire.”

Fay was also a lifelong avid hockey fan, Scuba Diver, Crane Operator, and even a Navy Pilot. Family stated that “he would give you the shirt off his back, but then tell you how to wear it.”

Services will be held on Monday, April 3rd at the Russell J. Boyle Funeral Home, 142 Centerville Rd, Warwick, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a fire department personnel walk through at 4:00 p.m. Formation will begin at 3:30 p.m.

The funeral will begin on Tuesday, April 4, at the Russel J. Boyle Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m., proceeding to the Saint Kevin’s church at 333 Sandy Lane, Warwick, RI. Members are to assemble at the funeral home at 9:30 a.m.

A cause of death was not released.