Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association installs Executive Board for its 75th year

The Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association (RIPCA) installed its new Executive Board during a swearing-in ceremony on January 12 in Warwick. 

The newly installed President, Woonsocket Police Chief Thomas F. Oates III, outlined his vision and priorities for the Association’s 75th year. His focus includes further strengthening traffic safety awareness efforts and launching the new wellness program. “We have many exciting initiatives on the horizon, and I am committed to dedicating myself, along with this association, to the hard work required to make them successful and beneficial,” said Chief Oates. “I am confident that, together, we can achieve meaningful outcomes that will positively impact our members, our communities, and the law enforcement profession as a whole.”

U.S. Senator Jack Reed, U.S. Congressman Gabe Amo, and Attorney General Peter Neronha addressed the gathering and Rhode Island State Supreme Court Justice Maureen McKenna Goldberg swore in the new board. 

The 2025 RIPCA Executive Board includes:  

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

Chief Oates has served as Chief of the Woonsocket Police Department since July 2016. Prior to this role, 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 his tenure in Providence, he spent six years as a Police Officer in Smithfield. Last year, Chief Oates contributed to the RIPCA Executive Board as Vice President.

Chief Michael Correia, Barrington Police Department – Vice President

Chief Correia joined the Barrington Police Department as its Chief in June 2021. Previously he 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 final position with Providence Police was as Major in Command of the Uniformed Division. In 2024, Chief Correia served on the RIPCA Executive Board as Sergeant-at-Arms.

Chief Ryan Duffy, Newport Police Department – Sergeant-at-Arms

Chief Ryan Duffy has served as the Chief of the Newport Police Department since June of 2023. He began his career with the department in December of 2000, and steadily rose through the ranks, earning promotions to Investigator in July 2011, Sergeant in December 2012, Lieutenant in April 2016, Captain in January 2021, and Acting Police Chief in February 2023.  

Colonel Michael J. Winquist, Cranston Police Department – Secretary

Colonel Winquist will continue serving as Secretary of the association this year. He was sworn in as the Cranston Police Chief in October 2014. Prior to this role, he spent more than 24 years with the Rhode Island State Police, where he served in numerous roles, including assignments in the Uniform Division, Detectives, Narcotics Unit, Providence Police Gang Task Force, ATF Task Force, Fusion Center, Intelligence Unit, and Motorcycle Team. He retired from the Rhode Island State Police as Lieutenant Colonel/Deputy Superintendent. Colonel Winquist also serves as Chairman of the Rhode Island Police Officers Commission on Standards and Training.

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

This year, Chief Moynihan will continue serving as Treasurer of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association, a role he has held since 2022. He was sworn in as Chief of the South Kingstown Police Department in July 2022, following his tenure as Chief in New Shoreham. Chief Moynihan dedicated 24 years to the Rhode Island State Police, retiring at the rank of Captain. During his time with RISP, he served in several positions, including District Commander overseeing the Uniform Bureau and several specialty units, interim Deputy Superintendent and Chief of Field Operations, Officer-in-Charge of the Major Crimes Unit, and Assistant Detective Commander. 

Colonel Bradford Connor, Chief of the Warwick Police Department, was recognized for his incredible leadership as President and will continue to serve on the Executive Board as Immediate Past President. He 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.

Mission of the RI Police Chiefs Association

The mission of our Association is to assist its members and all law enforcement officers in the State of Rhode Island with the administration of public safety, to promote harmony and trust between law enforcement and the public, to enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement in the State, to strengthen public confidence in the police profession and to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve.

History of the RI Police Chiefs Association

Founded in the year 1950, The Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association has grown to encompass a dedicated membership of over one hundred individuals. Among our members are both active and retired police chiefs, as well as associate members, forming a robust coalition committed to advancing the objectives of our mission. This collective expertise and experience creates a dynamic and collaborative environment within the Association.

The membership base represents the extensive law enforcement network in Rhode Island, comprising nearly fifty municipal, state, and campus agencies. This broad representation ensures that our Association comprehensively understands the challenges and opportunities faced by law enforcement professionals across the state. By uniting the leadership of various agencies, we strive to foster a collective approach to address the evolving public safety needs in various communities.

The geographical scope of our influence extends across the Ocean State, reaching and serving the interests of over one million Rhode Islanders. This outreach allows us to actively engage with the communities we serve, working towards building meaningful connections and promoting a shared commitment to public safety. Through collaboration with local, state, and campus agencies, we aim to create a unified front dedicated to enhancing the well-being of the residents throughout Rhode Island.

As we continue to evolve, our Association remains steadfast in its dedication to promoting the highest standards in law enforcement, fostering positive relationships between officers and the public, and contributing to the overall improvement of the quality of life for all Rhode Islanders. The collective strength of our membership and the breadth of our reach position us as a pivotal force in advancing the goals outlined in our mission.