Ptl. Michael F. Buzzard

     Patrolman Michael F. Buzzard was born in West Virginia in 1897, and served overseas in the United Army during World War I.  He came to Cranston and obtained a job at the Auburn Express Company before being appointed a special patrolman to the police department in May of 1924.   He was appointed a permanent patrolman in January of 1925.   In December of 1926 he was recognized for single-handedly pursuing three armed bandits during a high-speed car chase during which numerous gunshots between the officer and bandits were exchanged.  He passed away in Massachusetts on November 30, 1972, at the age of 75. 

     Rest in peace. 

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. 

Chief Louis Fouchecourt

     Chief Louis B. Fouchecourt was born in 1907 and grew up in Cranston.  He was appointed to the police department in September of 1930, and appointed Chief of Police on September 25, 1950.  Chief Fouchecourt is credited for obtaining the site of Cranston’s current police academy complex and shooting range, as well as with establishing the first K-9 Unit in 1963.   After his retirement in 1966 he took a job as executive director for the Cranston Housing Authority.  He passed away in December of 1977.  

     Rest in peace. 

Sergeant Walter Busby III

     Sergeant Walter C. Busby III passed away on February 12, 1979, while struggling with a suicidal man.  He is buried  in St. Ann’s Cemetery. 

     Rest in peace.  

Sgt. Walter Busby

Lt. William J. Nixon

     Lieutenant William J. Nixon was appointed to the Cranston Police Department on January 17, 1936.   He passed away on May 20, 1981, at the age of 77, and is buried Elm Grove Cemetery in North Kingstown.  

     Rest in peace.