Meet the Chief

Welcome to Prudence Island

Welcome to Prudence Island—a place defined by natural beauty, strong community spirit, and neighbors who look out for one another. Whether you’re a year-round resident, a seasonal visitor, or someone discovering the island for the first time, we’re glad you’re here. Our volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel take great pride in serving this unique and special community.

About Chief Louis W. Lepere

Thank you for visiting our page. My name is Louis “Chief” Lepere, and I have the honor of serving as the Fire Chief of the Prudence Island Volunteer Fire Department (PIVFD).

My fire service career began in 1983, when I joined the Greenville Fire Company as a volunteer. Those early experiences shaped my dedication to service, teamwork, and the mission of helping others. In 1985, I was hired full-time by the Smithfield Fire Department, beginning what would become a 38-year career with the department. Over the years, I advanced through the ranks—Firefighter/EMT, Lieutenant, Captain, and ultimately Deputy Chief of Operations—before taking on the role of Chief here on Prudence Island.

In addition to operational leadership, I continue to work as a fire instructor and EMS advocate, and I remain a lifelong student of public safety. My guiding philosophy, shaped by decades of experience, is simple: our job is to help people.

When I stepped into the role of Chief on Prudence Island, I was immediately struck by the resilience and heart of this community. The island may be small, but the commitment of those who live, work, and volunteer here is enormous. It’s a privilege to lead an organization filled with dedicated volunteers who give their time, talent, and compassion to keeping this community safe.

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