Portsmouth Welcomes Familiar Face As New Police Chief

PORTSMOUTH, RI — The Portsmouth Police Department has a familiar face filling the role of new police chief. On Monday night, the department announced that retired Deputy Chief Brian Peters will be returning to the force, filling the top role following the retirement of Chief Thomas Lee.

In March, Peters served as the interim chief of police in Bristol after Josue Canario announced he would be going on medical leave before officially retiring on May 9.

Peters' appointment was unanimously approved by the Portsmouth Town Council on Monday night, the department said. The current chief, Thomas Lee, announced his retirement earlier this month before his last day on the job, July 12.

Before his retirement, Peters served the Portsmouth Police Department for two decades, overseeing day-to-day operations for five years as deputy chief.