Chief J. Howard Gibbs

     Chief of Police James Howard Gibbs joined the CPD in 1943, but left to serve in the U. S. Army a year later. He served in the European Theatre during WWII, and earned the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.  In 1946 he returned the the police department, and later was assigned to the Detective Division.  He graduate from the F. B. I. National Academy in 1951 and became  the department’s training officer.  On August 28, 1961, he was promoted to captain and held that rank until 1968 when he was promoted to Chief. 

     He passed away in may of 1973 at the age of 52, and is buried in St. Ann’s Cemetery. 

     Rest in peace.   

Lt. Joseph E. Austin

     Lieutenant Joseph E. Austin passed away on March 6, 1974 at the age of 64.  Lt. Austin was well known throughout the state for his forensic skills and worked many years in the department’s Bureau of Criminal Identification Division.  He’s buried in St. Ann’s Cemetery. 

     Rest in peace.

Police Specialist Joe Austin – 1952

Lt. Walter L. McGarry

     Lieutenant Walter L. McGarry was appointed to the CPD on January 17, 1930.  He passed away on June 4, 1974 and is buried in St. Ann’s Cemetery in Cranston. 

     Rest in peace. 

     Sergeant Ronald L. Desjarlais was appointed to the Cranston Police Department on July 26, 1954.  He passed away on May 2, 1976 at the age of 46.  He’s buried in St. Ann’s Cemetery.  

     Rest in peace. 

Sgt. Ronald Desjarlais

Det. Francis A. Schinse

     Detective Francis A. Schinse joined the Cranston Police Department in 1942.  In 1950 he was promoted to detective.  He retired in February of 1965, and passed away on April 6, 1977.  

     Rest in peace.