Reflecting on Vespias career, Manni said, Chief Vespias 35 years of service as the police chief of South Kingstown demonstrates his love for this community and commitment to public service. Chief Jones can be reached at 401- 816-4420, pjones@tivertonpoliceri.com. Dan McKee said Wednesday morning, Susan and I are deeply saddened to learn of Vincents passing. The department said Vespia led a 57 year career in law enforcement, serving as Chief for South Kingstown for 35 years before passing away at 84 years old. He was also the first-ever inductee into the Rhode Island Criminal Justice Hall of Fame. Vespia also served in the Army and joined the Rhode Island State Police in 1959 investigating organized crime. Thats community engagement, thats accountability and professionalism, he said. Thank you . He was on top of everything he needed to be on top of, said Geaber who would replace Vespia as chief. You have permission to edit this article. Vespia died unexpectedly Tuesday morning at. We never experienced anything like it and didnt have a lot of protocols and policies in place in order to stop exposure and transmission. The department said Vespia led a 57 year. 48, with the South Kingstown Police Department. We'd love to hear eyewitness Contact Person: Susan Flynn Phone: (401) 789-9331. Police Department's community policing philosophy and our commitment to maintain and elevate relationships throughout the community. It notes one last ceremonial radio call to the officer, followed by a silence, then perhaps a second call, followed by silence. Manni instructed Moynihans class when the latter was studying to become a federal immigration agent in 1997. mayor buys Columbus statue for $50K, Change in law allows more to scrub their criminal, 109-year-old Bristol native shares secret to a long, Office chairs recalled due to fall, injury risk, Dont answer phone calls from these 5 area codes, Doctor: Lesion removed from Bidens chest was cancerous, Weather Alert: Snow/Sleet Changing To Rain Overnight;, CT shelter needs to find homes for 30+ animals, Olive oil in coffee? 1790 Kingstown Road Wakefield, RI 02879 Phone: (401) 783-3321 Fax: (401) 788-9775 Emergency: 911 TTY/TDD Dial 711 Matthew Moynihan Chief Alfred Bucco Deputy Chief Mark Sgalia Police Captain James Krajewski Acting Police Captain Police said that 56-year-old Robert Brown, of. Patriarca. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. South County Hospital is located in the village of Wakefield. A year and a half after taking over as South Kingstown Police Chief, Joel Ewing-Chow announced his retirement from the force last week. accounts, the history behind an article. South Kingstown Police Chief Vincent Vespia, is shown in the Dispatch area of the Public Safety Complex in Peace Dale in this 2016 file photo. Email: Wakefield, RI 02879 Phone: 401-789-9744 Hes always responsive. person will not be tolerated. All survived and benefited from Moynihans help getting resources for recovery, he added. Arts and Entertainment, Art Gallery 3.9 miles. Perhaps even more importantly, said many, Vespia was also a role model for those aspiring to be law enforcement officers or just beginning their careers. We'd love to hear eyewitness This beautiful seaside municipality is comprised of approximately 60 square miles that incorporates 14 quaint residential villages and is home to the University of Rhode Island. How do I have a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) check done? each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Low 28F. Don't Threaten. Posted 12:00:00 AM. The late chief served our department with honor and distinction until his retirement in 2016. One of the smartest moves Ive ever made was to resist going to Providence, Vespia told The Independent years ago. That was one of the better classes Id seen, Manni said. Special to the Independent. Rhode Island Department of State Gregg M. Amore Secretary of State Business Services . or anything. I will miss his calm and gentle manner and his careful counsel., State Police Col. James M. Manni, a South Kingstown resident, said Ive known Chief Geaber for most of my law enforcement career. The winner of the Campus Safety Director of the Year award will be announced in July. Contact Information. I didnt and he reminded me of that every time I saw him, Manni joked. Tanzi's bill would make permanent COVID-19 programs that eliminated the need for students to pay for their own meals and, she says, would "encourage schools to purchase food from local farms, ask schools to engage with the community to cook culturally relevant meals and allow parents with means to pay for meals if they choose." His history in South Kingstown goes back 26 years, however, to 1995. He had a 57-year career in law enforcement that included serving as the state police intelligence detective in organized crime. Work in unison with Town Departments and multiple agencies on community emergency preparedness planning and administration; maintain state of readiness for emergency response; coordinate implementation of emergency evacuation shelters as needed. Be Nice. Ewing-Chow has served South Kingstown for a quarter-century, starting his career as a civilian dispatcher in 1995 before becoming a police officer in 1999. Use the 'Report' link on Be Truthful. Warwick Police Department 99 Veterans Memorial Drive Warwick, Rhode Island 02886. Officers of the South Kingstown Police Department conduct their professional responsibilities in a disciplined manner pledging to uphold the laws of the Nation, State, Town Code, and Rules and Regulations of the South Kingstown Police Department. My relationship with him when I served on Town Council was equally good. Don't Threaten. He will truly be missed.. The South Kingstown Town Council on Monday appointed Manni the town . Although preservation of peace and protection of lives and property are the principle duties of a police officer, South Kingstown Public Safety Personnel, both sworn and civilian, also function as public service officers responsible for identifying and responding to service needs of all our citizens. Tanzi's bill would make permanent COVID-19 programs that eliminated the need for students to pay for their own meals and, she says, would "encourage schools to purchase food from local farms, ask schools to engage with the community to cook culturally relevant meals and allow parents with means to pay for meals if they choose." The Chief was a mentor, a cop, afamily man and he loved the job, Tierney said. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.. A few clouds. He touched more than just police officers, though. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. Weve come a long way especially in the last few years, he said. Ewing-Chow got a warm send-off last week at the police station, joined by fellow officers and police staff. Officers of the South Kingstown Police Department conduct their professional responsibilities in a disciplined manner pledging to uphold the laws of the Nation, State, Town Code, and Rules and Regulations of the South Kingstown Police Department. Not only because its a great department, but very simply this is home, Moynihan said. The mission statement is unique in that in addition to defining the well-accepted principal duties of law enforcement, it also advocates that the Towns public safety personnel recognize the need to function as community service providers. I intend to spend as much time with my family as I can, especially my four grandchildren. Call us at 401-783-3321, ext. Tanzi's bill would make permanent COVID-19 programs that eliminated the need for students to pay for their own meals and, she says, would "encourage schools to purchase food from local farms, ask schools to engage with the community to cook culturally relevant meals and allow parents with means to pay for meals if they choose." Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. You have permission to edit this article. Police Chief serves as chair of Transportation Traffic Safety Committee. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, . Geaber said the time had come to spend more time with his family and practice law now. I am disturbed that the councils refusal to pay state police detail would make our police officers feel unsupported and unappreciated, said Boudreau in a statemen to ABC 6 News. Rhode Island Public Safety all police and fire DPW On RISCON 800MhZ: Public Safety 36 : Online: South Kingstown Fire Dispatch (UFD & KFD) Union Fire District (UFD) and Kingston Fire District (KFD) dispatch channel. The former chief retired in 2016 and department members thanked him and his family for his decades of dedicated service. He was always there if you needed a question or help with anything., Capt. I found him to be very focused, determined, and competitive. That was a tough, tough job.. This week Santa's helpers at SKPD stuffed and shipped 97 stockings to Captain Montefix Houghton and his RI National Guard unit in Kuwait. He grew up in Providence and had to make a choice of which side of the fence he was going to be on the one respecting the law or the one skirting the law. Dispatch . Deputy Chief Costa serves as the executive officer for the department and is the second in command. person will not be tolerated. Manni is retiring from his position as superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police. During my whole career, I was most happy when I was a street cop and investigator, he said. He served that town very well.. SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. South Kingstown Police Chief Joseph P. Geaber will retire July 9 after more than 45 years in the same department he eventually led and brought through a rigorous process of policy changes to achieve state accreditation for its professionalism and standards. We'd love to hear eyewitness Prepare Police Department Annual Report by calendar year to provide transparent reporting of Departmental statistics to the public. Robert graduated from South Kingstown High Schooland then attended Johnson & Wales University where he earned a Promote traffic safety initiatives through education and enforcement. Promote traffic safety initiatives through education and enforcement. He is responsible for all operational and administrative functions of the Cranston Police Department. Captain Joel Ewing-Chow has been appointed interim police chief effective July 10th, said Town Manager Robert Zarnetske who made the selection. Chief Matthew Moynihan is leaving the post to take over as the next police chief in South Kingstown. Contact Person: Jennifer Clough Phone: (401) 789-9331. According to a police report of the South Kingstown Police Department, shortly before 8 PM on Saturday, March 19, 2022, South Kingstown police officers were dispatched to the parking lot of the . Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.. A few clouds. The North Kingstown Fire Department Administrative Secretary Hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30AM-3 . A mass was held at Christ the King Church in Kingston on Monday morning. Were so fortunate to have had Chief Ewing-Chow for that many years and to lead the department these last couple of years, Murphy said. He was known for his professionalism and law enforcement expertise and loved by his officers for his integrity and extraordinary leadership skills, Moynihan said. Voter Information. Winds NNE at 20 to 30 mph. In the audience were his brother, Dan, members of the Rhode Island State Police and several officers from the South Kingstown department, such as Deputy Chief Alfred Bucco, who was interim chief for several months. Let us know in this week's poll question below. Link: Visit the Town's Police Department Page. The Town of South Kingstown, Rhode Island is a coastal community covering 63 square miles with more than 30,000 full time residents. In the short time I have known him, I have come to consider him a friend. Gov. Although we will miss him, we appreciate his hard work and wish him well in South Kingstown, concluded Boudreau. I want to hear about our strengths and our weaknesses so we can determine the best direction for the department in the months to come, he said. Vespia then served as South Kingstown's police chief from 1981 through his retirement in 2016. Jeff Allen was named Chief of Police in Charlestown on Monday. accounts, the history behind an article. 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He grew up on Federal Hill and the East Side of Providence, served two years. I want South Kingstown to be the destination department, known for our professionalism.. When he retired, South Kingstown officers commended Vespia for maintaining the departments integrity, increasing the force as a way to keep the crime rate in South Kingstown low, and for being fair to both those on the force and within the community. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, How do I have a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) check done? When COVID began, Manni said the state police were directed to use a Warwick hotel as an isolated shelter for people experiencing homelessness, who also were contracting COVID at a high rate. Open Government; South Kingstown Assessment Board of Review. On the contrary, the South Kingstown Police will continue to fully and enthusiastically continue the work Chief Geaber has begun they will continue to develop strong relationships with social service providers and the public to promote proactive rather than reactive community safety programs and initiatives, he said. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Though there were tensions, the peaceful march ended with no arrests. Do you believe schools have a responsibility to provide their students with universal, free breakfast and lunch? Joe Geaber, who joined the force in 1975, said Vespia gave officers the room to work on their own, if needed, but always had his eyes open throughout the department. He called it probably the pinnacle of Moynihans career. You Are Here: ross dress for less throw blankets apprentissage des lettres de l'alphabet chief of police south kingstown, ri. Investigate and prosecute all known criminal offenses. shot down funding state police troopers for the summer season on a 4-1 vote. "We conducted a broad search for the Towns next Chief and Joel Ewing-Chow stood out as the best choice for this community," Town Manager Rob Zarnetske said. Be Nice. Those efforts yielded several new programs, events and personnel for the local department. Thank you, Chief Vespia, for your dedication and service to our town and this department. South Kingstown is a wonderful community, and I am humbled to be selected to lead the South Kingstown Police Department. The South Kingstown Police Department is seeking applicants for the position of police officer. You have permission to edit this article. Owning a business in town,I had the pleasure of having some of the people in our local government as long-time customers. Out of uniform and wearing short sleeves, Ewing-Chow was behind the grill for most of that evening, gladly cooking hot dogs and hamburgers served up free to attendees. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. South Kingstowns department, he added, is known for its ability to recruit and retain the best officers. Accountability, he said, allows officers to always show that they act in the best interest of the community. Its easy to see the choice he made, said former South Kingstown Town Manager Stephen A. Alfred who in 1981 hired Vespia. Threats of harming another racist or sexually-oriented language. Cloudy and windy with periods of rain ending in the afternoon. NEW SHOREHAM, R.I. (WLNE) The chief of police on Block Island is leaving his post less than a week after the town council voted against funding state troopers on the island this summer. Chief Geaber has been a fixture in town for decades, and the police department wont be the same without his steady and humble leadership, he said. SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. South Kingstown Police Chief Joseph P. Geaber will retire July 9 after more than 45 years in the same department he eventually led and brought through a rigorous process of policy changes to achieve state accreditation for its professionalism and standards. SOUTH KINGSTOWN A former Cranston police officer who became an inspector at the Adult Correctional Institutions died in a wrong-way crash Tuesday afternoon on Route 1 near Moonstone Beach. Community and Government, Government Building, Law Enforcement and Public Safety . residents with unclaimed, Teacher accused of child molestation on paid leave, Community Focus: RIDOHs Dr. Tosin Ojubele, Police: Wanted man arrested after East Providence, Former Prov. After 26 years in law enforcement, SK Police Chief calls it a career. He retired in 2016 after 35 years in the chief's chair. The university said Jagoda oversees a number of departments including the alarm division, emergency management, environmental health and safety, fire and life safety, transportation and parking, university police, campus security, and communications and technology. Officers of the South Kingstown Police Department conduct their professional responsibilities in a disciplined manner pledging to uphold the laws of the Nation, State, Town Code, and Rules and Regulations of the South Kingstown Police Department. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Rhode Island owes a debt of gratitude to Vincent for his service to our state and country. he said. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Vespia family and their loved ones. SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI Former South Kingstown Police Chief Vincent Vespia Jr., 84, died Tuesday, the town's police department said. He also said that the town management throughout the years, including the town council and various town departments, have helped him in a variety of ways both as chief and as he rose through the ranks with more responsibilities related to both law enforcement and administration. May The Chief rest in peace, Tierney said simply. Tanzi's bill would make permanent COVID-19 programs that eliminated the need for students to pay for their own meals and, she says, would "encourage schools to purchase food from local farms, ask schools to engage with the community to cook culturally relevant meals and allow parents with means to pay for meals if they choose." Town Manager James Manni, who has a 25-year professional relationship with Moynihan, noted that the police chief on Block Island also pulls double duty as head of New Shorehams public works. Threats of harming another High near 40F. It has been a pleasure to collaborate with him on initiatives to strengthen our communities, Corrigan said. South Kingstown, RI southkingstownri . Enter the parking lot via the south entrance, and park in the front parking lot. Both he and Manni said they would return his salute. South Kingstown, RI (02879) Today. Prev. Chance of rain 100%. Car seat safety checkpoint Today (9/30) 3pm - 6:30pm Shaw's parking lot 160 Old Tower Hill Rd., Wakefield, RI He also drew praise from the vice president of the South Kingstown Town Council, Bryant C. Da Cruz. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Vespia joined the Rhode Island State Police in 1959. Share with Us. Vespia also served as president of the chiefs association and the knowledge and guidance Chief Vespia provided to our organization throughout the years proved invaluable, said Corrigan, Narragansetts chief. Town of South Kingstown 180 High Street Wakefield, RI 02879 Phone: 401-789-9331 Fax: 401-789-5280 Email us Hours of Operation; Quick Links. Prepare Police Department Annual Report by calendar year to provide transparent reporting of Departmental statistics to the public. I worked to increase the size of the department, added new divisions and updated much of our equipment. These included investigations and prosecutions of crime boss Raymond Patriarca and the arrests of Gerald and Harold Tillinghast, brothers eventually convicted of murdering a mob loan shark. Manni and James Tierney, Narragansett Town Manager and long-time South Kingstown police officer, met Vespia 41 years ago. 314 or police@skpd.org with any information. They wear many hats. After 45 years as a police officer and three and a half years as chief, I promised my family I would retire. I also would run into him occasionally at the former River Bend Athletic Club. Keep it Clean. Joel Ewing-Chow, who would later replace Geaber as chief, said at the time, Its been a pleasure working with him. Both were just barely 20 years old and came face-to-face with a law enforcement legend whose exploits with crime bosses were the stuff of lore as well as real news reports. Anytime he addressed the council, he presented clearly with integrity. . Cloudy and windy with periods of rain ending in the afternoon. The following reports were taken from the South Kingstown Police Department. A Message from the Chief of Police Welcome to the Smithfield Police Department web site. We want to work with our communities to make things right the best way we can.. Another defining moment in his career was a decision to remain rather than leave for another offer coming shortly after getting the top law enforcement job in South Kingstown. Winds NNE at 20 to 30 mph. In 2005, he was promoted to sergeant, detective commander in 2009, captain of operations in 2013 and captain of administration in 2017. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph.. . But I also found him to be a leader.. Provide public safety dispatch for Police, EMS, and Fire. (Photo by Liz Boardman) SK police chief set to retire after 45 year career with department, By Bill Seymour That point was accented by Chief Sean Corrigan, past president of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association and offering comments on behalf of the organization. Do you believe schools have a responsibility to provide their students with universal, free breakfast and lunch? Recruit and train police officers, and provide training and professional development to all Department personnel. South County Art Association Studio. Washington County Rhode Island Live Audio Feeds. Trevor Richmond to lieutenant, Detective Gary Marquis to sergeant and Patrolman Thomas Bouffard to detective. Contact Us. Special to the Independent. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Ill ensure that our officers are properly trained, have the equipment they need to do the work and that they have trust in us as we lead them forward. Not everyone had buy-in, Manni said. As chief Ewing-Chow also oversaw several promotions within the department. An Official Rhode Island State Website. Town map (via Google Maps) Established in: 1657 Incorporated in: 1723 Awaiting The Monday Night - Tuesday Storm Live Weather Cams - Providence, Rhode Island. Develop and submit recommended annual operating budget and 6-year capital improvement plan to the Town Manager. . Hes been a consummate professional, a class act and mentor to all those police officers junior him. A Massachusetts native and Narragansett resident, Ewing-Chow graduated from Salve Regina University, where he earned a Masters Degree in management, as well as from Roger Williams University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.