Pawtucket Police Department

06/01/2026

While it may have been a wild weather weekend, the athletes did not let the rain dampen their spirits! They displayed determination, perseverance, and the best show of sportsmanship available.

Members of our Department are honored to be a part of the Law Enforcement Torch for Special Olympics Rhode Island and take part in the Summer Games. Besides those who participated in the Torch Run on Friday, Honor Guard members were part of the opening ceremonies, officers helped present medals all weekend for a variety of sports, and members of the motor unit assisted with the Motor Run. Every high five, handshake, hug, or even kiss on the cheek that we receive in return for handing out medals is greatly appreciated. We’re so glad to be able to be a part of such a monumental movement!

Great job to all the athletes that competed this weekend! You were brave in the attempt (especially in the wild weather). Thanks to all the amazing coaches, volunteers, and family and friends for welcoming us in!

05/30/2026

It certainly was a run-derful day for the Torch Run!

While the Torch Run began in multiple corners of the state, we are proud of our officers that biked, ran, and provided motorcycle es**rt, some the entire Woonsocket to State House leg, to ensure the Flame of Hope is carried throughout the State. The Torch Run is more than a run; it is also a fundraiser through t-shirt sales, but even more importantly it is a visible message of inclusion. Police, Fire, Corrections, and Justice personnel throughout the state dedicate themselves to ensuring the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Rhode Island does all it can to help and support the amazing athletes. The Torch Run is just the start of a great weekend of the 2026 Special Olympics Rhode Island Summer Games! We can’t wait to cheer on the athletes over the next few days! Good luck to all those participating!

Thank you to our wonderful friends at Samuel Slater Middle School and Legacy High School for coming out and cheering on our runners! It certainly gave them an extra pep in their step!

05/28/2026

Traffic Reminder for Tomorrow, Friday, May 29!!!

The Torch Run will make its way through Pawtucket beginning around 11:50am via Lonsdale Ave. and continue on to Main St. where it will then enter into Providence around 12:15pm. Please be mindful of additional traffic delays in the area for runners' safety.

🚨Tomorrow 🚨

Statewide Traffic Advisory: For a detailed schedule of where and when the Torch Run will take place, visit the link below.

https://specialolympicsri.org/torchrun/legs-annual-torch-run/

05/27/2026

The Pawtucket Police Department is releasing the following information pursuant to RI General Laws §11-37.1-1 et seq., also known as the S*xual Offender Registration and Community Notification Act.

We encourage citizens to sign up for email alerts regarding s*x offenders in their area at https://www.icrimewatch.net/register.php?AgencyID=56404

For more information visit the RI S*x Offender Registry: https://icrimewatch.net/offenderdetails.php?OfndrID=8180004&AgencyID=56404

05/25/2026

Today, and everyday, we commit to remembering those who gave their all.

05/24/2026

There is an exciting week ahead with many events planned around the state in support of Special Olympics Rhode Island and Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Rhode Island including the Torch Run! The run will make its way through Pawtucket on Friday, May 29 around noon. The route will be on Lonsdale Ave. to Main St. before it continues into Providence.

The traffic impact may be temporary, but the impact of the work of SORI and LETR lasts forever in the lives of the athletes. Thank you in advance for your patience during any traffic interruptions.

Rhode Island roads will be filled with purpose next week as supporters hit the road for Special Olympics Rhode Island athletes. Expect some delays — and lots of inspiration. 🎉

05/23/2026

Last Saturday, members of our Pawtucket Police Explorers program attended Stations Day at Camp Fogarty. Stations day is an annual event where Explorer posts from around the state meet and provide the Explorers a chance to compete in different stations. It allows them an opportunity to test the skills they have learned in their individual programs to include building/room clearing, high risk traffic stops, domestic violence incidents, and others.

Thank you to all of the Post Advisors, Scouts, and Camp Fogarty for making events like this possible.

05/22/2026

Yesterday was our annual Memorial, Award, Promotion, and Swearing-In Ceremony. This event allows us to uphold our promise to never forget our members who gave their lives in service to the Department. We were also able to acknowledge and thank our members for the hard work they do every day while highlighting some specific incidents where officers went above and beyond the call of duty. Several promotions were also held for deserving members to continue their careers in new positions. Additionally, we were able to swear in and welcome new officers to our Department.

There were several memorable portions including the bagpiper leading in the officers and beautiful performances by the students from Jacqueline M. Walsh School for the Performing and Visual Arts, whom we thank for their continued support at our ceremony. Perhaps the most poignant moment occurred when several civilians were awarded the Chief's Humanitarian Award for their actions during the tragedy at Lynch Arena. They received their award to a standing ovation from all in attendance. We again want to thank them for all they did on that fateful day.

Congratulations again to all awarded, promoted, and sworn-in!

05/15/2026

As the sun is shining down on the grounds of the United States Capitol building in DC, and the 45th Annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service will begin shortly at noon, we pause now to take a moment to acknowledge, remember, and honor all of the fallen law enforcement peace officers on Peace Officers Memorial Day. Members of the Department were honored to be present in DC for the numerous events honoring all of the fallen.

We continue to uphold our commitment to never forget our own fallen officers:
Samuel W Slocum; EOW 2/4/1906
William Wetherspoon Gemmell; EOW 6/22/1908
David Boswell Burns; EOW 8/18/1925
Charles Patnaude; EOW 9/30/1952
Thomas Truesdale; EOW 6/30/1958
Emil A Newberg; EOW 6/30/1958
Doreen A Tomlinson; EOW 6/26/1984

It is not how these officers died that made them heroes, it is how they lived.

05/05/2026

Don't forget! The Rhode Island FC fundraising game for Special Olympics Rhode Island is THIS SATURDAY during RIFC's Hometown Heroes Night. The weather looks like it will be a great day for the game!

Be sure to join us THIS SATURDAY May 9, 2026 at 7:30pm. The Pawtucket Police Honor Guard will present the colors before the game and there will be a special 5v5 halftime game with Special Olympics RI athletes and officers! A portion of all tickets sold through the below link will be donated to Special Olympics RI.

https://rifc.spinzo.com/?group=pawtucket-hometown-heroes

Great game for a great cause!

Hope to see you there!

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