Chief James H. Gibbs – Cranston Police

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.  In 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.