Everett McCain v. the Town of North Providence, by and Through Its Mayor Charles Lombardi

Summary

The Rhode Island Supreme Court affirmed the Superior Court’s judgment that Everett McCain qualified as a “firefighter” under G.L.1956 § 45‑19‑1(c) and was therefore entitled to injured‑on‑duty benefits. The Court held that the statutory language was clear and unambiguous, and that McCain’s employment as a lineman in the fire department made him a “member of the fire department” within the statute’s plain meaning. Justice Goldberg dissented, arguing that the statute should be limited to first‑responders and that a mechanical application would produce an absurd result.