North Kingstown Police Chief Retires After 35 Years On The Force

NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI — North Kingstown Police Chief Patrick Flanagan has retired, the department said Thursday.

Flanagan retired on Dec. 9, after 35 years of service to the North Kingstown Police Department. Police said Flanagan was first hired as a town police officer in 1988. From then, he rose through the ranks from patrol officer to detective, sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and finally police chief in 2016.

While on the police force, Flanagan implemented having clinicians ride with officers to assist those in need of mental health services. He also issued Narcan to every officer to help with overdose calls, police said. Police said Flanagan also serve for many years as the president of the local police union and helped the department reach state accreditation.

"We thank you for your many years of dedication and service, and we all wish you the best," North Kingstown police said in a news release. "You will be missed."

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