Vespia died unexpectedly Tuesday morning at. SOUTH KINGSTOWN Rhode Island State Police Col. James Manni is turning in his cop badge for a town hall name plate - again. While on the police. Geaber said the time had come to spend more time with his family and practice law now. I think nobody expected things to get as serious as they did, he said in 2020. Provide assistance and counseling for a wide range of services from simple street directions to referrals of services of other agencies not provided by police. Jeff Allen was named Chief of Police in Charlestown on Monday. 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? They have shown a true commitment to our diverse community and their efforts and hard work do not go unnoticed.. Winds NNE at 20 to 30 mph. It wasnt an act, he truly felt that way He truly wanted to help people that were being hurt by this opioid crisis.. Let us know in this week's poll question below. The South Kingstown police, like departments around the country saw protests in 2020 when Black Lives Matter supporters marched in early June on Kingstown Road. Contact Person: Jennifer Clough Phone: (401) 789-9331. His nearly six decades in this profession was truly remarkable, said Manni, who is South Kingstowns current town manager. Special to the Independent. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.. A few clouds. Chance of rain 100%. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Do you believe schools have a responsibility to provide their students with universal, free breakfast and lunch? Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Warwick Police Department 99 Veterans Memorial Drive Warwick, Rhode Island 02886. 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. They wear many hats. Two of those young people later became superintendents of the Rhode Island State Police. SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) Family and friends gathered Monday to honor law enforcement legend Vincent Vespia Jr. after his passing. New Starbucks line a curiosity, RISPCA has nearly 30 guinea pigs up for adoption, February vacation events around Southern New England, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. 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. Provide assistance and counseling for a wide range of services from simple street directions to referrals of services of other agencies not provided by police. How do I contact the prosecution division? I cant say enough good things about the chiefs command and control of the department, Alfred said when Vespia retired six years ago. Police Chief serves as chair of Transportation Traffic Safety Committee. SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. Moments after taking the oath of office Monday, Matthew C. Moynihan said it was an honor to be named South Kingstown's new chief of police. Be Proactive. 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. 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. person will not be tolerated. 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. South Kingstown School District is a proud Professional Learning Community built upon collaborative leadership and 21st-century deep learning competencies while developing a culture of equity, openness, and sharing of ideas. Manni and James Tierney, Narragansett Town Manager and long-time South Kingstown police officer, met Vespia 41 years ago. Improvement is always possible, and we can make the best even better.. 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. SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. This South County town unanimously voted to hire Col. James Manni, the head of the Rhode Island State Police for the last three years, as its new town manager Monday . I found him to be very focused, determined, and competitive. PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. I intend to spend as much time with my family as I can, especially my four grandchildren. My wife and I moved here 23 years ago and raised our family here. NewsBreak provides latest and breaking South Kingstown, RI local news, weather forecast, crime and safety reports, traffic updates, event notices, sports, entertainment, local life and other items of interest in the community and nearby towns. It was one of the most humbling experiences I ever had, said Manni, with Doherty, who lives in Narragansett, agreeing. Like Tierney seeing him as The Chief, Manni noted that he always called him sir even after he became superintendent and advanced with experiences and titles far beyond the status of a young Department of Environmental Management auxiliary police officer. Captain Joel Ewing-Chow has been appointed interim police chief effective July 10th, said Town Manager Robert Zarnetske who made the selection. 1 - 6 of 10 places. Just in recent weeks, Block Island experienced three opioid overdoses, Manni said. South Kingstown is a wonderful community, and I am humbled to be selected to lead the South Kingstown Police Department. Manni also recalled a similar experience involving a prisoner transfer. During his tenure, hes worked with URIs Office of Community, Equity, and Diversity to make sure all officers on campus undergo social justice and inclusion training, according to the university. Promote traffic safety initiatives through education and enforcement. 314 or police@skpd.org with any information. Interim Town Manager Theresa Murphy said a new permanent chief will be hired and begin duties after incoming Town Manager James Manni takes office on May 2. SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) Campus Safety Magazine has narrowed down the field for its Director of the Year award, and a local police chief has been named one of the finalists. person will not be tolerated. Narragansett Police Chief Sean Corrigan reflected on their work together. Recruit and train police officers, and provide training and professional development to all Department personnel. Integrity, trustworthiness and fairness were the hallmarks of his career. Chance of rain 100%. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph.. . Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Ewing-Chow got a warm send-off last week at the police station, joined by fellow officers and police staff. The following reports were taken from the South Kingstown Police Department. South Kingstown fire protection is provided by the Union Fire District of South Kingstown, a volunteer department. racist or sexually-oriented language. Chief Matthew C. Moynihan Official account of the South Kingstown Police Department. 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. Email: [email protected] New details in arrest of Providence middle school teacher, Police: Man, 18, caught with illegal gun and drugs in Fall River, Senate committee set to discuss RIPTA concerns raised by Ruggerio, Driver seriously injured in crash on Route 24, Local schools closed or delayed because of winter weather, Rhode Island State Police arrest 2 in Providence after traffic stop, West Warwick man sentenced for role in unemployment fraud. 34, South Kingstown, Narragansett) introduced legislation this week that would provide all students in Rhode Island with free break and lunch meals throughout the school year. Chief Jones can be reached at 401- 816-4420, pjones@tivertonpoliceri.com. Yesterday, shortly after Vespias passing, another successor in the job, current South Kingstown Chief Matthew C. Moynihan, offered his words of praise. . That was a tough, tough job.. Prepare Police Department Annual Report by calendar year to provide transparent reporting of Departmental statistics to the public. Yet, a simple gesture by their role model captured both the man, his commitment to law enforcement and his understanding of duty. Edwards, in June of 1941, became North Kingstown's first Chief of Police presiding over a department consisting of one man. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Judy and his daughters Robin and Renee. Share with Us. He was also the first-ever inductee into the Rhode Island Criminal Justice Hall of Fame. During the meeting last week, Boudreau praised the chief for the work he had done and urged his council colleagues to support the chief by abiding by the chiefs request for additional troopers to help with the summer tourists. He was on top of everything he needed to be on top of, said Geaber who would replace Vespia as chief. Mainly sunny. I would especially like to thank my wife, Debi, who has tolerated a cop for way too long. A Message from the Chief of Police Welcome to the Smithfield Police Department web site. Allen has been with the South Kingstown force since 1986, spending t he last seven years as captain. During my whole career, I was most happy when I was a street cop and investigator, he said. 34, South Kingstown, Narragansett) introduced legislation this week that would provide all students in Rhode Island with free break and lunch meals throughout the school year. Before joining the New Shoreham Police Department in 2021, Moynihan served with the Rhode Island State Police for 24 years in a variety of roles including serving in the detective bureau as assistant detective commander, as officer in charge of the Major Crimes Unit, on the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, in the Intelligence Unit, on the FBIs Joint Terrorism Task Force, and the FBIs Organized Crime Task Force. In the 1970s, Vespia was credited with developing evidence that led to the successful prosecution of organized crime figures. The Internet has become an extremely valuable law enforcement tool and affords us the opportunity to relay public service information to the community in a timely and contemporary fashion. Job Listings. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Call us at 401-783-3321, ext. In 2005, he was promoted to sergeant, detective commander in 2009, captain of operations in 2013 and captain of administration in 2017. The late chief served our department with honor and distinction until his retirement in 2016. Use the 'Report' link on SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI Former South Kingstown Police Chief Vincent Vespia Jr., 84, died Tuesday, the town's police department said. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Town map (via Google Maps) Established in: 1657 Incorporated in: 1723 You have permission to edit this article. He was also the first-ever inductee into the Rhode Island Criminal Justice Hall of Fame. Vespia was a person with a hand outstretched to the residents of this town, talking to them wherever they might meet, lending an ear to a complaint or acknowledging a suggestion that could improve the town and policing. Manni in an interview said, He was a trooper through and through.. High near 40F. That connection to family is a trait that impressed James Tierney, now Narragansett town manager, who worked as a police officer with Geaber for 28 years. Chance of rain 100%. It has been a pleasure to collaborate with him on initiatives to strengthen our communities, Corrigan said. He is pictured above at an officer promotion ceremony in May. The chief also oversaw the hiring of several new police officers in late 2020 and 2021. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Saying Rhode Island "can't afford" to go back to pre-pandemic days where students were unable to eat at school because their parents couldn't afford to pay for them, Representative Teresa Tanzi (D-Dist. 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. Bucco was promoted from captain of operations to deputy chief under his watch. 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. 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. 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We can learn from the publics feedback, he said. 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. Hes always responsive. SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WLNE) The South Kingstown Police Department shared they are mourning the loss of retired Chief Vincent Vespia Jr. Various local and state law enforcement officials, as well as town government officials, praised Geaber for his dedication throughout his career. 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. "Chief Ewing-Chow has the institutional knowledge, the disposition and the skills necessary to move the SKPD forward as it builds on its tradition of citizen-focused public service.". He retired in 2016 after 35 years in the chief's chair. Cloudy and windy with periods of rain ending in the afternoon. SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) Three men suspected of physically and sexually assaulting a woman at a Wakefield home faced a judge on Monday. Vincent Vespia, former South Kingstown police chief, has passed away at age 84. Westerly Dispatch, is the primary dispatch center for . All survived and benefited from Moynihans help getting resources for recovery, he added. Don't Threaten. 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. Contact Person: Susan Flynn Phone: (401) 789-9331. The Department is committed to delivering the highest level of police professionalism to the Citizens of South Kingstown in a sensitive and efficient manner within the rule of law which guarantees individual rights to all our citizens. General Information Town hall address: 180 High Street South Kingstown, RI 02879 Phone: 401-789-9331 Fax: 401-789-5280 Form of Government: Manager/Council Meetings held: Council meetings held the 2nd & 4th Monday of each month. Interact cooperatively with the South Kingstown School Department, local institutional groups (URI, South County Hospital, and Fire Districts), neighboring police Departments, the RI State Police, multiple State and Federal agencies, and advocacy groups to form partnerships to make South Kingstown a safe community. Business Services; Elections; Civics and Education; Open Government; South Kingstown Town Council. Be Proactive. Both he and Manni said they would return his salute. Impressions can last a lifetime, as these did. just south of the RI State Police Wickford Barracks. Not only because its a great department, but very simply this is home, Moynihan said. Car seat safety checkpoint Today (9/30) 3pm - 6:30pm Shaw's parking lot 160 Old Tower Hill Rd., Wakefield, RI The department said Vespia led a 57 year. A mass was held at Christ the King Church in Kingston on Monday morning. Prepare Police Department Annual Report by calendar year to provide transparent reporting of Departmental statistics to the public. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. 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. Administer traffic detail program for road projects, etc. Chief Vespia was one that had been a regular in my store for many years, said Viele, now executive director of the Southern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce. Don't Threaten. Public Safety 1 : Online Southern Rhode Island and . Both James Manni and Brendan Doherty recalled that when they were sworn in to lead the state police and have the title of superintendent, their mentor and role model saluted them. We'd love to hear eyewitness May The Chief rest in peace, Tierney said simply. A URI graduate, Jagoda returned to campus as a police major in 2015 after spending 22 years with the Connecticut State Police. While still interim chief in 2020, Ewing-Chow was instrumental in starting a police dog K-9 unit in the department. Ive always gotten along with him. Robert graduated from South Kingstown High Schooland then attended Johnson & Wales University where he earned a Address 1790 Kingstown Road South Kingstown , Rhode Island , 02879 Phone 401-783-3321 South Kingstown Police Department Details Type Local Police Department Full Time Sworn Officers 53 Full Time Civilians 25 Part Time Civilians 3 Map of South Kingstown Police Department in South Kingstown, Rhode Island Praising Geaber, Zarnetske said, he has served this community well. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Arts and Entertainment, Art Gallery 3.9 miles. Manni instructed Moynihans class when the latter was studying to become a federal immigration agent in 1997. Low 28F. He was always there if you needed a question or help with anything., Capt. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.. A few clouds. Cloudy and windy with periods of rain ending in the afternoon. His longtime friend, the late controversial and popular Providence Mayor Vincent A. Rachel Nunes/Patch Former South Kingstown. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Hes a very approachable person. - Manage notification subscriptions, save form progress and more. 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. Gov. In the next few weeks he plans to listen to the departments officers as well as the community. Chief Moynihans passion for community policing helped us stamp out the anything goes reputation that has plagued Block Island for generations, said Boudreau. Police Emergencies: 911 Routine / Non-Emergencies: (401) 468-4200 For general information about the Warwick Police Department, please feel free to use our online form tool. Colonel Michael J. Winquist - Chief of Police Colonel Michael J. Winquist was sworn as the Department's twenty-first Chief of Police on October 1, 2014. The Tiverton Police Department is overseen by Police Chief Patrick W. Jones, who is in command of all department divisions and functions. EMERGENCY: 9-1-1. My relationship with him when I served on Town Council was equally good. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.. A few clouds. 307 Curtis Corner Road, Wakefield, RI 02879 | Phone 401-360-1300 . Not everyone had buy-in, Manni said. South Kingstown, RI (02879) Today. New details in arrest of Providence middle school teacher, Police: Man, 18, caught with illegal gun and drugs in Fall River, Senate committee set to discuss RIPTA concerns raised by Ruggerio, Driver seriously injured in crash on Route 24, Local schools closed or delayed because of winter weather, Rhode Island State Police arrest 2 in Providence after traffic stop, West Warwick man sentenced for role in unemployment fraud. I will miss everyone and would like to thank my family, friends and co-workers who have supported me throughout my career. An Official Rhode Island State Website. Vincent inspired countless men and women to enter the law enforcement profession and was a mentor to so many. Next . each comment to let us know of abusive posts. The Town Clerk, Susan Flynn, swore in Moynihan in a brief ceremony Monday morning in Town Council chambers. There is an entrance in the center of the building, enter and come into the lobby, turn left and enter the . Use the 'Report' link on racist or sexually-oriented language. High visibility policing deters crime, makes our roadways safer and builds a strong relationship with our town residents.. Develop and submit recommended annual operating budget and 6-year capital improvement plan to the Town Manager. Hes always been a fair boss; a fair chief.. Vespia came to the South Kingstown post in 1981, nearing mandatory retirement from the state police. He grew up on Federal Hill and the East Side of Providence, served two years. Video / Jan 24, 2023 / 12:14 PM EST. I didnt and he reminded me of that every time I saw him, Manni joked. Phone: (401) 783-3321 . SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI The South Kingstown Police Department officially has a new chief. Our town was lucky to have Vin, he will be missed, Viele said. Joe has always been a great family man, consummate professional, compassionate and always fair and he was all of that with a great sense of humor, he added. 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. Montrell Wilson, Jah-Quin Sekator and Trenton. 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. Matt was one that stood out. Do you believe schools have a responsibility to provide their students with universal, free breakfast and lunch? After that, I hope to help my son with his landscape construction business and practice law, he said. We have the watch, he said. Praise for his work and performance has come from law enforcement and government leaders as an exemplary law enforcement officer with a keen intellect, bountiful sense of humor, core-deep honesty, committed husband and father, compassion and empathy while balanced with a no-nonsense belief in standards. 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. Chief Matthew Moynihan is leaving the post to take over as the next police chief in South Kingstown. Narragansett residents search for a kidney continues, Broad Rock Middle School hosting famed jazz player for special show, Rams looking to have some fun as A-10 tournament opens, North Kingstown students hop back in time for a look at the 1950s with Grease, Common Sense Health: Vitamin D is the key to staying sunny, Wrestling: Reiner is SK's first champ since 2015, Girls Basketball: Pilgrim stops Mariners for D-III crown, Girls Basketball: Skippers win state tourney opener, At Kingston Fire Department, prepared dinners offer chance for experienced volunteers, new recruits to bond, Football: Longtime assistant Giorgi tabbed to take over at NK, The View From Swamptown: You cant tell the story of 12 Years A Slave without NK, Archaeologist Jay Waller talks colonization of South Kingstown, Narrow River Kayaks future in doubt as town lease expires, Gu says her early focus is on shoreline, affordable housing, Letter: Council member needs to get over defeat, College Notes: Track standouts reach new heights, SK Town Council says it needs more time to discuss school bond. After 45 years as a police officer and three and a half years as chief, I promised my family I would retire. Moynihan was the head of New Shoreham police for just over a year, taking the post after former Chief Vin Carlone. As chief, Ewing-Chow managed the day-to-day operations of the department, but also moved to increase the departments community outreach. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. It notes one last ceremonial radio call to the officer, followed by a silence, then perhaps a second call, followed by silence. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Moynihan was hired last month out of a pool of 15 applicants, five of whom had interviews. Investigate and prosecute all known criminal offenses. WATCH: 12 News looks back at Vespia's storied career ahead of his retirement 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. 3 month calisthenics program,