Retired Portsmouth Fire Marshal William Ethier Dies

PORTSMOUTH, RI — Former Portsmouth Fire Marshal William Ethier has died, Portsmouth Firefighters Local 1949 said in a statement Monday.

Ethier was hired as a firefighter in 1996. In October 2010, he was promoted to lieutenant, and he was promoted to fire marshal in April 2018.

Ethier retired in April 2019 after 23 years of service to the Portsmouth Fire Department.

"The members send the heartfelt condolences to Bill's family, friends, and former co-workers," fire union officials said in a statement. "We ask everyone to keep his family in your thoughts and prayers. Bill was a tireless worker for the community, his dedication and honorable service deserve our appreciation and thanks."

A memorial service for Ethier will be held on Saturday at St. Barnabus Church in Portsmouth. The time is to be determined. More details will be posted about the time of the service, fire officials said.

All active and retired members are asked to attend in class A uniforms.