Continuing a longstanding family tradition, Bill Provencher has assumed duties as assistant chief of the Thompsonville Fire Department.
Provencher replaces the recently-retired Paul Nabors in the department's number two position. He was honored at a pinning ceremony at the firehouse Thursday night.
"Bill is the type of guy who is very respected around the fire service community," Thompsonville Fire Chief Frank Alaimo said. "He's the kind of guy who will tell you how it is, and he's a great firefighter."
Provencher's brother Earl, longtime chief of the North Thompsonville Fire Department, told the crowd how his younger brother started in the firefighting industry as a teenager.
Their maternal great-grandfather served with Thompsonville, and their paternal great-grandfather and great-uncle were charter members of North Thompsonville. Their grandfathers, uncles and cousins all served the Enfield community.
"I'm sure they are all looking down, very proud of your accomplishment," Earl Provencher said.
Bill Provencher was pinned by his wife, Anne, then stepped to the podium for some brief remarks.
He thanked his wife and children, " for understanding the time away from home and the times I'm not there with you."
"I am truly overly excited and happy about this opportunity," he said. "We have a lot of exciting events coming with the department in the next few months, and I'm looking forward to bringing new ideas to the table."