Bristol Police: Our Hearts are Heavy with Sorrow

The Bristol Police Department issued the following statement on Wednesday in response to the tragic death in the waters off Costa Rica of one of their own, Patrol Officer Richard Jean-Georges.

It is with heavy heart and great amount of sorrow and sadness that I announce the passing of 3-year Patrol Officer Richard Jean-Georges. Richard Jean-Georges was vacationing with a group of family members and friends in Costa Rica over the past weekend when a tragic incident occurred, the undercurrent pulled Officer Jean-Georges out to sea and he went missing Saturday evening.

His body was recovered by a search team late yesterday afternoon. A team of my officers, who responded to Costa Rica to assist and support Officer Jean-Georges’ family, and to assist the local authorities with the search or any other duties of which the Costa Rican authorities deemed necessary.

The team of Bristol officers will be escorting his body back to Rhode Island, upon it being released by the Costa Rican authorities.

I will forward information to all upon putting together dates and times for the services after speaking with the family members upon their return to Rhode Island.

I would also like to thank each and every person and organization that has sent their condolences to the family; I also wish to thank those in the law enforcement community for their continued support at this time.

Josue D. Canario

Chief of Police