Newport Police Chief Gary Silva Retiring This Month

NEWPORT, RI — Newport Police Chief Gary Silva will retire on Feb. 24, after 12 years leading the city's police force and 40 years serving the community.

Silva was first sworn in as a police officer in June 1983, rising through the ranks to investigator, sergeant and lieutenant before being promoted to captain in 2004. In June 2011, Silva was selected as Newport’s interim police chief, where he served for five months until he was formally offered the job in November 2011.

"Gary has been a loyal and dedicated public servant who’s steady and community-oriented leadership has helped make Newport one of the safest and most desirable places to live on the East Coast," City Manager Joseph Nicholson Jr. said. "On behalf of the entire administration, I’d like to extend my deepest appreciation for his tireless work on behalf of the people of Newport."

City officials said they will likely announce a process to select a new police chief next week.