WPD Chief Connor Named Police Chiefs Association President

“I am honored to serve as your president and am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for our association,” said Connor. “Together, we will strive to uphold the highest standards of police professionalism, foster community trust, and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of law enforcement.”

Col. Connor began his service with the Warwick Police Department in 1996 as a Community Police Officer. He held various roles in the Patrol, Detective, and Professional Standards Divisions, eventually becoming Commander of the Operations and Administrative Bureaus. After retiring in 2019 as Deputy Chief of Police, he returned to the Warwick Police Department in January 2021. In 2023, he served as the Vice President of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association.

U.S. Senator Jack Reed, Attorney General Peter Neronha and Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi addressed the gathering and Rhode Island State Supreme Court Justice Francis X. Flaherty swore in the new board.

Also sworn in to the 2024 RIPCA Executive Board that night:

Chief Thomas F. Oates, III, Woonsocket Police Department – Vice President:

Chief Oates was appointed Chief of the Woonsocket Police Department in July 2016. Before this, he served as Deputy Chief of the Providence Police Department. He spent over 36 years with the Providence Police, holding roles in every division. Before joining Providence Police, he was a Police Officer in Smithfield for six years. Chief Oates served on the RIPCA Executive Board last year as the Sergeant-at-Arms.

Colonel Michael Correia, Barrington Police Department – Sergeant-at-Arms: 

Col. Correia was sworn in as the Barrington Police Chief in June 2021. He previously served for over 34 years with the Providence Police Department where his assignments included Commander of the Detective Division, District Commander, and Narcotics Unit. His last assignment was as Major in Command of the Uniformed Division.

Colonel Michael J. Winquist, Cranston Police Department – Secretary:

Col. Winquist will continue his tenure as Secretary of the Association this year. He was sworn in as the Cranston Police Chief in October 2014. With over 24 years at the Rhode Island State Police, he served in numerous roles, including Uniform, Detectives, Narcotics, Providence Police Gang Task Force, ATF Task Force, Fusion Center, Intelligence Unit, and Motorcycle Team. He retired from the RI State Police at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel/Deputy Superintendent. Col. Winquist also serves on the Rhode Island Police Officers Commission on Standards and Training as Chairman.

Chief Matthew C. Moynihan, South Kingstown Police Department – Treasurer:

This year, Chief Moynihan will continue serving as RIPCA Treasurer, a position he has held since 2022. Chief Moynihan was sworn in as Chief of the South Kingstown Police Department in July 2022. He was previously Chief in New Shoreham and served with the Rhode Island State Police for 24 years, retiring as a Captain. He served with RISP in several roles – District Commander overseeing the Uniform Bureau and many specialty units, interim Deputy Superintendent – Chief of Field Operations, and Officer-in-Charge of the Major Crimes Unit and Assistant Detective Commander.

Chief Kevin Lynch of the Bristol Police Department was recognized for his outstanding leadership as President and will continue to serve on the Executive Board as Past President. Chief Lynch previously served as Deputy Administrator of the Public Utilities Commission for the State of Rhode Island before spending 20 years with the Cranston Police Department, where he retired as Commander. He has served as the Chief of the Bristol Police Department since 2019.

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Author: Rob Borkowski

Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at [email protected] with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.