The Rhode Island Police Chiefs' Association has new leadership - here's who is at the helm

BRISTOL – Bristol Police Chief Kevin M. Lynch has taken the helm as the incoming president of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs’ Association

The association installed a new leadership team at a ceremony Jan. 13 at Roger Williams University, where Lynch is an alumnus.

Chief of the Bristol Police Department since 2019, Lynch has a 35-year career in public service, including serving as a commander of the Cranston Police Department and as deputy administrator of the state’s Public Utilities Commission, according to a news release.

Others inducted into the association's 2023 executive board team are Warwick Police Chief Bradford Connor, as vice president; Woonsocket Chief Thomas F. Oates III, as sergeant-at-arms; Cranston Chief Michael J. Winquist, as secretary; and South Kingstown Police Chief Matthew Moynihan, as treasurer. Former Little Compton Police Chief Sid Wordell will continue to serve as executive director.

Narragansett Chief Sean Corrigan was recognized as the outgoing president during the ceremony.

“I was extremely proud to be sworn-in as the president of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs’ Association, to begin facilitating a fresh platform of goals to meet modern-day policing concepts,” Lynch said in a news release from his alma mater. “It was truly a spectacular evening for all attendees and the event raised a noteworthy amount of money for Rhode Island Special Olympics. As a dual degree Hawk and member of the faculty at Roger Williams’ University College, it was truly an honor for my family and the university that I hold in this highest regard.”

Lynch earned a bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Roger Williams University’s Criminal Justice program and teaches in the Criminal Justice program and Policing, Public Safety and Security program at RWU’s University College.

University President Ioannis Miaoulis praised Lynch for his work in the field and classroom.

“Chief Lynch exemplifies excellence in public-service leadership for Rhode Island and as a role model for our criminal justice students to aspire to, both professionally and in his continued engagement with the university as an alumnus and faculty member,” Miaoulis said in a statement.

Miaoulis expressed gratitude from the Bristol Police Department’s close collaboration with the school through its Justice System Training & Research Institute and credited Lynch for his work maintaining safety in the Bristol community.

Established in 1950, the Rhode Island Police Chiefs’ Association members include more than active and retired police chiefs and associate members from nearly 50 municipal, state and campus agencies in Rhode Island. The organization’s stated mission is to promote harmony and trust between law enforcement and the public, to enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement, strengthen public confidence in police, and improve the quality of life in communities its members serve.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Rhode Island Police Chiefs' Association taps Chief Lynch to lead