Digital Extra: Forged by Fire

Journal file photo / Mary Murphy West Warwick Fire Marshal Denis P. Larocque examines the ruins of The Station nightclub on Feb. 21, the day after the worst fire in Rhode Island history. Larocque had inspected the club numerous times, but never noted the flammable foam sound insulation that covered its walls.

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May 26, 1998: Denis P. Larocque becomes West Warwick's fire marshal.

March 2, 2000: Town officials meet at The Station with club owner Howard J. Julian and prospective new owners Jeffrey A. and Michael A. Derderian. Denis Larocque increases the club's occupancy limit.

April 27, 2000: Firefighters watch a rock band burn pyrotechnics on stage at The Station.

June 27, 2000: Michael Derderian writes a check for $575 for 25 sheets of 2 1/2-inch thick foam from American Foam Co.

Nov. 10, 2001: Denis Larocque finds fire-code violations at The Station as part of the annual liquor-license renewal process, but he fails to mention the foam on the walls.

December 2002: The Station nightclub passes its annual fire inspection.

Jan. 6, 2003: Denis Larocque, who along with other inspectors had failed to note the foam at The Station, complains of his heavy workload.