Vincent Vespia, Police Chief, to Step Down

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, RI -- "He will be missed," Town Manager Stephen A, Alfred said this morning about longtime police Chief Vincent Vespia Jr.'s decision to retire Nov. 1.

Vespia went into police work right after his military service, the town manager said. He was with the State Police 21 years, with the South Kingstown department 57 years, serving 35 years as chief.

"He has been a wonderful chief for our public safety," Alfred said. Vespia really built the police department, as the community expanded and grew in population. South Kingstown police are a "highly professional organization," due to his leadership, he said.

Vespia also oversaw the construction of a new public safety facility with new Information Technology.

It's all state of the art, Alfred indicated.

Vespia sent a short letter last Friday to announce his plans, Alfred said. After Nov. 1, Capt. Joseph Geaber, Jr., a 40-year veteran, will take over as interim chief, he said and then the Town will start the search for a new department head.

But "the person coming in will have very big shoes to fill," Alfred said.

Vespia did not immediately return calls asking for comment.

Narragansett police Chief Sean Corrigan called Vespia the "consummate professional" and said he had always been "very gracious," and "generous with his time" talking over the job.