Warwick Police Chief McCartney to retire

Photo by Steve Klamkin, WPRO News

By WPRO News

After a decades-long career in law enforcement, Warwick Police Chief Stephen McCartney announced his retirement on Friday.

“I have full confidence that the men and women of the Warwick Police Department will continue their great constituent service to the citizens. After 45 years in law enforcement serving both the citizens of Providence and Warwick, and 30 years in the Marine Corps both active duty and reserve time, it is time to spend more time with my wife, 2 daughters, 7 grand-children and 2 great-grand-children,” he said in a statement.

In an interview with WPRO, McCartney recalled successes and challenges, including the night of the Station Fire.

“We came on board to try to help West Warwick because initially it just had to be unbelievably overwhelming for them to have to deal with because I know it was overwhelming for our officers too,” he said.

McCartney wished the people of Providence and Warwick well, and said he hopes to spend time thanking those he’s worked with over the years.

“I hope I was able to accomplish the mission of making sure that it was all about constituent service,” he said.

McCartney has won a number of awards for his work and has been recognized by the Rhode Island U.S. Attorney, Rhode Island Office of Attorney General, the FBI, the U.S. Secret Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.

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