BURRILLVILLE –A former police dispatcher, fire lieutenant and the director of the Burrillville Emergency Management Agency died this week at age 70.
Glen Biddiscombe died on Wednesday, April 24 following a battle with cancer. He lived in Harrisville with wife Debra Biddiscombe.
Biddiscombe was born in Stoneham, Mass. and served with the Harrisville Fire Department for decades, retiring as a lieutenant and officer of Engine 21. He served on the Board of Directors for Well One Primary Care, and as a dispatcher for the Burrillville Police Department for 24 years, retiring from that role in 2020. He received the Rhode Island Lifesaving Medal in 2013 for his work as a dispatcher.
He was an instructor for the Rhode Island State Fire Academy and became the director of the Burrillville Emergency Management Agency in 2012. He was also a member of Teamsters Local 251.
Local emergency agencies acknowledged Biddiscombe’s passing after years of service to the Burrillville community.
“Glen had a huge impact on so many of us in Burrillville’s emergency services,” noted the Pascoag Fire Department of the loss. “His gruff voice, sense of humor, and willingness to help anyone at any time were the stuff of legend.”
“Our thoughts are with his family, and with all those who had the privilege of knowing him,” noted PFD. “He will be greatly missed.”
HFD noted that Biddiscombe served the village of Harrisville for more than 20 years.
“We would like to wish Glen’s family peace and love in these trying times,” the announcement noted. “Rest easy brother, we’ll take it from here.”
Biddiscombe is survived by his four children, Chris Westhaver, Glenn Biddiscombe Jr., Kerri Keene, and Nathan Keene. He is also survived by his three siblings, Brian Biddiscombe, Susan Biddiscombe, and Sharon Phillips, and five grandchildren.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Brown Funeral Home at 1496 Victory Highway in Oakland.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, May 1 from 4 – 7 p.m. with a service to follow in the funeral home at 7 p.m. Burial will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Biddiscombe’s memory can be made to the American Cancer Society.
