Chepachet Fire Chief Dies Following Serious Motorcycle Crash

CHEPACHET, RI — The Chepachet Fire Department is mourning the loss of one of its own. On Tuesday, the department announced the death of its chief, Robert Dauphinais, who was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash earlier this month.

The crash happened July 7. Dauphinais was riding a motorcycle with his wife, Ericka. A helicopter flew him to Boston Medical Center, where he underwent treatment for a brain injury. His wife, who was less seriously injured, is recovering.

"The Chief did not immediately surrender to his injuries, but put up a valiant and obstinate battle to recover," the Chepachet Fire Department wrote on Facebook. "Despite his strong will and the best medical care, he was unable to continue the fight. While we mourn the loss of our leader, we like to think of how fortunate we have been to have Chief Dauphinais in our department and our lives."

Dauphinais joined the department more than three decades ago, serving as a junior firefighter before rising through the ranks to eventually become head of the department. The department thanked him for his years of dedication to the community and the many firefighters he mentored.

"We lost a friend and guiding influence whose presence always lead the way in responding to emergencies and department duties while serving as a reminder of the responsibility we have to each other and to our community," the department said.

A GoFundMe page was set up to help cover Dauphinais' medical expenses, raising more than $22,000 of its $50,000 goal.

The department thanked the community for its outpouring of support, but asked that all gatherings in the chief's memory be held outside of the station, as there is simply not enough room to accommodate a crowd and many arrangements need to be made.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

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