Newport Police Chief Ryan Duffy was elected vice president of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association during a swearing-in ceremony Saturday in Warwick.
Duffy, who has led the Newport Police Department since June 2023, previously served on the RIPCA executive board as sergeant-at-arms. He began his career with the department in December 2000 and rose through the ranks, earning promotions to investigator in 2011, sergeant in 2012, lieutenant in 2016, captain in 2021 and acting police chief in February 2023.
Portsmouth Police Chief Brian Peters was also elected to the executive board, taking over the sergeant-at-arms position vacated by Duffy.
Peters began his career with the Portsmouth Police Department in February 1998 as a patrol officer. He held a variety of assignments over the years, including field training officer, Citizens’ Police Academy instructor, detective inspector, patrol sergeant and detective lieutenant. He served as deputy chief from May 2013 to March 2018 before being sworn in as chief in July 2019.
Barrington Police Chief Colonel Michael E. Correia was installed as the association’s president for 2026. Associate Justice Joseph J. McBurney of the Rhode Island Superior Court administered the oath of office to the new board members.
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley served as keynote speaker at the event.
“In public service, we know that public safety is the foundation of every strong, thriving city,” Smiley said.
Sen. Jack Reed and Rep. Seth Magaziner also addressed the gathering.
