Coventry police chief retires after 25 years

Retiring Coventry Police Chief John MacDonald (at right) spoke with reporters at the scene of an armed standoff in September, 2016. File photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News 

COVENTRY, R.I. (AP) – A Rhode Island police chief has announced he will step down after 25 years on the force.

Coventry police Col. John MacDonald gave notice in a letter to the interim town manager that he will step down on Feb. 28.

MacDonald joined the Coventry police in 1994 and became chief in 2015.

MacDonald says he has been selected as state army aviation officer of the Rhode Island National Guard, in which he is currently a lieutenant colonel.

He called the full-time position as a senior officer in the national guard “a rare, unexpected opportunity.”

The search for the next police chief is underway.

 

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