BURRILLVILLE – A longtime town firefighter who also served for many years on various boards in Burrillville government died earlier this month, and members of the Town Council recognized the loss this week, acknowledging his contributions to the community.
Norman C. Manville died on Saturday, April 17, leaving behind a legacy of service to the town, both in and out of uniform.
Mainville served on the Burrillville Town Council for 14 years, with stints from 1976 to 1982, 1998 to 2002 and 2006 to 2010. He also served on the Burrillville School Committee from 1994 to 1998.
During his time in office, Mainville served on various subcommittee, and was the liaison for several boards and commissions, including the Board of Administration, the Ordinance Subcommittee, the Zoning Board of Review, the Planning Board and the School Committee.
Mainville was also a military veteran and an active member of American Legion Berard-Desjarlais Post 88.
He was a member of the Nasonville Fire Department for ten years, awarded honorary status in 1975, and was the longtime moderator for the Harrisville Fire District. He served with the Harrisville Fire Department for nearly four decades, holding several officer positions, rescue captain and safety officer.
Mainville also served as president and treasurer of the Northern Rhode Island Firemen’s League, president of the Rhode Island Association of EMTs, and corpsman with the Burrillville Ambulance Corps.
“We want to pass the family our condolences on behalf of the Town Council for his many years of service in the town,” said Town Council President Donald Fox.
Councilor Amanda Gingell noted she took over the role of safety officer in Harrisville from Mainville.
“I always knew him as Chucky,” said Gingell. “He’s been a great inspiration and he definitely will be missed.”
In 2005, Mainville was recognized by the Rhode Island General Assembly for his “outstanding service and public safety record.”
“He has demonstrated integrity, diligence and professional conduct towards his colleagues and within the department, earning the respect and loyalty of all who serve with him,” noted a resolution honoring Mainville’s work. The townspeople of Harrisville and neighboring communities have witnessed, benefited and enjoyed peace of mind because of Norman Mainville’s reliability, loyalty and his numerous deeds of valor that have gone far and beyond the call of duty.”
