EAST PROVIDENCE, RI – East Providence Police Dept. Chief Christopher Francesconi, who was appointed by Mayor Bob DaSilva as Chief in 2021, will retire effective the first week of April.
Francesconi is a 25-year veteran of the Department. He began his career as a patrol officer in 2000, was promoted to sergeant in 2010, lieutenant in 2014, captain in 2016, deputy chief in 2019 and Chief in 2021.
Under the leadership of Chief Francesconi, the East Providence Police Dept has had a number of notable accomplishments including:
• Achieved departmental accreditation from the Rhode Island Police Accreditation Commission
• Body-Worn Camera implementation
• A complete renovation of the police department (still in progress)
• Added another K9 handler and K9 Nick, who specializes in tracking, gun and bomb detection
• Significant investment in radio communication capabilities
• Hired 38 new police officers
• Substantially expanded community outreach efforts through a variety of traditional and non-traditional methods
• Leveraged a variety of technology to make the police department more effective and the community safe.
• Wide variety of equipment upgrades to help keep officers safe
“It has been an absolute privilege to serve this truly special community for the past 25 years,” Chief Francesconi said. “The City of East Providence welcomed me as a young police officer and a new resident.”
“Throughout the years, I have had the opportunity to learn from, and work alongside, some of the finest law enforcement officers in our region who continually strive to make the East Providence Police Department an exceptional organization,” Francesconi added. Three and a half years ago, this culminated in me being selected to lead the agency, an incredible honor for which I will be forever thankful.”
Throughout his career, he served in many department divisions including Patrol, Vice, Professional Standards, Administrative Services and was assigned as a Task Force Agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Chief Francesconi is a member of the Rhode Island Police Chief’s Association, Mayor of East Providence’s Community Advisory Board and has an extensive list of notable training and certifications.
East Providence Police Dept. Deputy Chief of Police Barry Ramer, who was appointed by Mayor Bob DaSilva as Deputy Chief in 2021, has also announced his retirement.
Ramer is a 31-year veteran of the Department. He began his career as a patrol officer in 1993, was promoted to patrol sergeant in 2002, detective sergeant in 2004, patrol captain in 2020 and deputy chief in 2021.
“After more than 31 years of service, I reflect on my time here with immense gratitude and pride,” Ramer said. As a graduate of East Providence High School and a former resident for over 35 years, it has been a true honor to serve and protect this incredible community.
“Throughout my career, I have cherished the relationships built, the challenges faced, and the privilege of working alongside the dedicated men and women of this department. The support from the community has been invaluable, and I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me,” Deputy Chief Ramer added. “As I move on to the next chapter of my life, I will carry with me fond memories and a deep appreciation for the experiences I have been fortunate to have had. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this remarkable community.”
“It has been an absolute honor to work with and get to know the leadership styles and capabilities of both Chief Francesconi and Major Ramer,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said.
“It will be a great loss to the department and City of East Providence to lose both of these leaders at the same time, however, I feel confident as search efforts get underway that we will find strong candidates,” DaSilva added. “We will start that process immediately in hopes of filling those roles as soon as possible.”
