FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 23, 2023
CONTACT INFO. :
Office of the Mayor
Dir. of Communications & Proj. Mgt.
Patricia Resende
(401) 435-7500 Ext 11013 / (401) 529-3207
Note to Editors: Please see attached photos and captions
East Providence Police has new chief at the helm (for today)
EAST PROVIDENCE, RI – East Providence resident Angel Lewis may have a future in law enforcement. Lewis, a 9-year-old, fourth-grade student at Waddington Elementary School, was sworn in as the East Providence Police Department’s chief for the Day.
Lewis, with his parents Lisa and David Sheldon by his side, was sworn in on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, by Mayor Bob DaSilva and Chief Chris Francesconi.
“I have no doubt that Angel will be a top-notch chief today,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “I hope today’s experience with members of our police department leaves him with aspirations to join the EPPD someday – after all, we are currently recruiting.”
Traditionally, a family member is asked to pin the badge on the chief and that was no different today as Lisa Sheldon pinned the EPPD badge on Angel.
“It was a pleasure to host Chief A.J. today,” East Providence Police Chief Christopher Francesconi said. “After being sworn in, he held his very first staff meeting where he met members of his command staff, toured the police station, saw K9 Okki in action, spent time with our BCI Detectives, members of our Special Reaction Team and much more.”
How did Lewis get to be chief for the day? It was thanks to the creativity of the East Providence Jr. Townies who held a Brewery Night Charity fundraiser at Narragansett Brewery last July.
One of the popular silent auction items was the “East Providence Police Chief for a Day” prize, which was ultimately won by Lisa and David Sheldon for their son AJ.
“East Providence Jr Townies are grateful to the East Providence community and especially the East Providence Police Department for their constant support of all youth sports,” Donna Hassell-Winter, Jr. Townies president and founding member, said.
“The Chief for the Day asked some great questions and I hope today is a day he remembers for a long time,” Francesconi added. “Special thanks to the East Providence Junior Townies for making this happen.”
