Captain James H. Gibbs
Appointed Sept. 8, 1965

     November 19, 2008 – We sadly announce the passing of Captain James H. Gibbs, 66, the son of former Cranston police chief J. Howard Gibbs.  He was appointed to the CPD in September of 1965, and promoted to sergeant in 1976, and to lieutenant in March of 1982.  He retired at the rank of Captain in 1987.  He held a Bachelors of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Bryant College.

     After his retirement in 1987 he worked for the Registry of Motor Vehicles, and for the Department of Labor and Training.  He’s buried at St. Ann’s Cemetery in Cranston.  Rest in peace our brother.  

Detective Paul Rousseau

     November 29, 2008 – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Detective Paul L. Rousseau, Jr., 44, of Cape Coral, Florida.  During his career Paul served in the Patrol Division, and the Traffic Division, where he rendered his expertise as an Accident Reconstructionist.  He later served in the Detective Division. He was born in Providence, the son of Paul L. Rousseau, Sr., and Judy M. (Studley) Rousseau.   He’s buried in St. Ann’s Cemetery.  Rest in peace our brother.  

Patrolman Dan Cipalone – c. 1955

     November 30, 2008 – It is with deep regret that we announce the passing of Detective Daniel P. Cipalone, 85.  Born in Johnston, R.I. in 1926, he was the son of Giovanni and Beatrice (Coia) Cipalone.  Dan served in the navy during WWII.  He was appointed to the Cranston Police Department on August 2, 1954, and served for 30 years before retiring on September 21, 1984.  Dan also served as a Federal Marshal, and as the Treasurer of the Cranston Police Retirees Association.  His son Glen is also a Cranston police officer. Rest in peace our brother.  

Chief George J. Coffey
1968 – 1976

     February 28, 2009 – It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Chief George J. Coffey of Norwood Ave., Cranston who passed away with his family at his side.  Chief Coffey was a graduate of Cranston High School and appointed as a Cranston Police Constable on January 1, 1943.  The following year, officer Coffey was appointed as a permanent officer and his first assignment was walking a beat in the Edgewood area.  He was then moved to the Motorcycle Squad in 1949, then up the ladder to Detective, Sergeant,  Lieutenant, Captain, (Capt. on Aug. 28, 1961.), and appointed Chief of Police in 1968.  Upon his retirement in 1977 after 34 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Cranston, Chief Coffey joined the RI Capital Police in 1982 and retired on August 31, 2001.Also active in the community, Chief Coffey was a former Vice-President of the New England Chiefs of Police, a member of the Cranston Fraternal Order of Police, the Cranston Police Department’s Retiree Association, Cranston Rotary, Knights of Columbus, St. Paul’s Council No.2385 and was a communicant at St. Paul’s Church since Boyhood. Born in Providence to the late James J. and Sarah (Slavin) Coffey, he is survived by his loving wife  Sophie (Mojkowski) of 58 years and his children Dennis, Judy, Brian, Kevin, and Deborah. 

     Rest in peace Chief.  You will never be forgotten.

Det. William T. White, Jr.

     July 2, 2009 – It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Detective William T. White, Jr., 78, who passed away in Miriam Hospital.   He was born in Providence on June 6, 1931, and was hired by the police department on March 3, 1954.  After serving for 30 years, he retired on Sept. 3, 1982, and went to work for the R. I. Family Court system as Supervisor of Clerks. He was a 1974 graduate of Salve Regina University in Newport.  Rest in peace our brother.