SOUTH KINGSTOWN Rhode Island State Police Col. James Manni is turning in his cop badge for a town hall name plate - again. Ewing-Chow is pictured here in this November 2020 file photo the week he took over the role officially, after serving as interim chief for four months. 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. It serves all of the fire, rescue & EMS agencies in the towns of Westerly, Hopkinton, and Richmond. In the short time I have known him, I have come to consider him a friend. I worked to increase the size of the department, added new divisions and updated much of our equipment. Though there were tensions, the peaceful march ended with no arrests. Don't Threaten. A dedicated public servant, he spent over five decades in law enforcement protecting our communities.. I think nobody expected things to get as serious as they did, he said in 2020. My relationship with him when I served on Town Council was equally good. The South Kingstown Police Department is seeking applicants for the position of police officer. Don't knowingly lie about anyone Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. Chief Of Police 2020 - Present3 years South Kingstown, Rhode Island, United States I was promoted to lead strategy development, ensuring vision, mission, and principles of the Police. Do you believe schools have a responsibility to provide their students with universal, free breakfast and lunch? His history in South Kingstown goes back 26 years, however, to 1995. 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." Its been a great career, Ewing-Chow said. University of Rhode Island (URI) Police Chief and Public Safety Director Michael Jagoda said hes honored to be a finalist., It would not be possible to accomplish all of our departments goals and objectives without the great team of co-workers at URI Public Safety, he continued. 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. Matt covered potholes in his uniform, Manni said. South Kingstown Police Capt. 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. We need state police to augment our department and we should be willing to use our tax dollars to keep our officers safe on the job, he added. 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. He graduated from the FBI National Academy. We never experienced anything like it and didnt have a lot of protocols and policies in place in order to stop exposure and transmission. Contact Us. Our town was lucky to have Vin, he will be missed, Viele said. 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? The written exam will be held at South Kingstown High School, 215 Columbia St., Wakefield, RI 02879 on Wednesday, June 21 st, 2017 at 5:30pm. SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. Chief Joel Ewing-Chow closed the book this week on his 26-year career in law enforcement, retiring from the South Kingston Police Department. Other promotions were Detective Lt. Montafix Houghton IV to captain, Detective Sgt. Jagoda is the only nominee from New England. 1 - 6 of 10 places. Montrell Wilson, Jah-Quin Sekator and Trenton. Kingston, MA + 0. Owning a business in town,I had the pleasure of having some of the people in our local government as long-time customers. Threats of harming another We'd love to hear eyewitness Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, Town Manager Stephen A. Alfred confirmed Vespia's upcoming retirement. Administer traffic detail program for road projects, etc. 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. University of Rhode Island Fine Arts Center. Vespia remembered by colleagues for decorated career, love of community, By Bill Seymour The chief also oversaw the hiring of several new police officers in late 2020 and 2021. After 26 years in law enforcement, SK Police Chief calls it a career. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. 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. A mass was held at Christ the King Church in Kingston on Monday morning. 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. Vespia, 78, will retire Tuesday after 57 years in law enforcement, 35 of them as South Kingstown's police chief. 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. Weve come a long way especially in the last few years, he said. Chief Vespias law enforcement career was legendary, and he was indeed an icon in the law enforcement profession, he said. Trevor Richmond to lieutenant, Detective Gary Marquis to sergeant and Patrolman Thomas Bouffard to detective. Identify, report, and remove a variety of public safety hazards and to provide assistance to ensure citizen safety at every opportunity. Be Truthful. The Chief was a mentor, a cop, afamily man and he loved the job, Tierney said. An Official Rhode Island State Website. Compassion may not be the first word that comes to mind when people imagine the police, but it is certainly the quality that defines Joe Geaber. Vespia joined the Rhode Island State Police in 1959. Stop by to have your car seat installed, checked for proper installation or to have your questions answered. 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His last day on the island will be June 24. It has been a pleasure to collaborate with him on initiatives to strengthen our communities, Corrigan said. You have permission to edit this article. Joe was my training officer as a young rookie on the South Kingstown Police Department and to this day, I realize that his mentoring made me a much better cop, he said. Prev. 22, of South Kingstown, Rhode Island. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. Various local and state law enforcement officials, as well as town government officials, praised Geaber for his dedication throughout his career. He grew up on Federal Hill and the East Side of Providence, served two years. 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. It notes one last ceremonial radio call to the officer, followed by a silence, then perhaps a second call, followed by silence. SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI Former South Kingstown Police Chief Vincent Vespia Jr., 84, died Tuesday, the town's police department said. We'd love to hear eyewitness 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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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. 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. Its important for everyone to know that this is not a time of hesitation for the police department.. Link: Visit the Town's Police Department Page. and are the after-hours dispatch for the Westerly Water Dept. each comment to let us know of abusive posts. 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. Capt. In 2012 and about five years before he retired, Vespia talked about a chiefs administrative duties, an unappealing part of the job that took him away from a part he loved. He comes to South Kingstown from Block Island, where he was chief of police. Message From the Chief I am pleased to welcome you to the South Kingstown Police Department website. Review and analyze the needs for police service and the efficiency of Departmental operations; promote enhanced administrative, technical and operational police practices. 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. Video / Jan 24, 2023 / 12:14 PM EST. He is pictured above at an officer promotion ceremony in May. 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. You have permission to edit this article. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph. 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. 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Recruit and train police officers, and provide training and professional development to all Department personnel. Threats of harming another Thats community engagement, thats accountability and professionalism, he said. 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 . Promote traffic safety initiatives through education and enforcement. Do you believe schools have a responsibility to provide their students with universal, free breakfast and lunch? Winds NNE at 20 to 30 mph. 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. During my whole career, I was most happy when I was a street cop and investigator, he said. "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.". Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) Family and friends gathered Monday to honor law enforcement legend Vincent Vespia Jr. after his passing. Special to the Independent. Low 28F. Principal functions of the Police Department include, but are not limited to: Captain Houghton is currently deployed with the RI National Guard in Kuwait. Do you believe schools have a responsibility to provide their students with universal, free breakfast and lunch? He retired in 2016 after 35 years in the chiefs chair. Winds NNE at 20 to 30 mph. They also dispatch the Pawcatuck, Connecticut Fire Dept. The primary responsibility of the South Kingstown Police Department is to provide a comprehensive public safety program. I didnt and he reminded me of that every time I saw him, Manni joked. South Kingstown, RI (02879) Today. Town map (via Google Maps) Established in: 1657 Incorporated in: 1723 You have permission to edit this article. Some in police circles initially were skeptical of the purpose of having police care for opioid abusers not a typical law enforcement function. He was known for his professionalism and law enforcement expertise and loved by his officers for his integrity and extraordinary leadership skills, Moynihan said. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. 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." 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. National Night Out started in 1984 as a way to connect police with the citizens in their communities. Praising Geaber, Zarnetske said, he has served this community well. He served that town very well.. accounts, the history behind an article. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. His wife, Mary Jane and son Aidan, 19, were by his side for the ceremony and photos. . Thank you . Phone: (401) 783-3321 . 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. Do you believe schools have a responsibility to provide their students with universal, free breakfast and lunch? The primary responsibility of the South Kingstown Police Department is to provide a comprehensive public safety program. 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. A URI graduate, Jagoda returned to campus as a police major in 2015 after spending 22 years with the Connecticut State Police. Wakefield, RI 02879 Phone: 401-789-9744 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." While still interim chief in 2020, Ewing-Chow was instrumental in starting a police dog K-9 unit in the department.