After a 40-year career, Police Chief Anthony Pesare is retiring Dec. 11. A consummate pro who dedicated his life to law enforcement, Pesare was loved for his understated manner, quick wit, compassion and ability to find common ground with everyone.
BELOVED POLICE CHIEF RETIRING
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (NOVEMBER 7, 2024) – Beloved Middletown Police Chief Anthony M. Pesare is retiring.
Last month, Pesare told his officers and town officials his last day in uniform will be Dec. 11, capping a 40-year career in law enforcement. Deputy Police Chief Jason Ryan will assume the job on an interim basis.
In response, there was an outpouring of support and admiration for Pesare, who returned to the local force in February 2023.
In the year and a half plus, Pesare has worked hard to connect the department even more with the community, whether it was an aggressive campaign to reduce speeding, various outreach programs and beyond.
"Chief Pesare is one of those people who is just a natural leader," Town Council President Paul M. Rodrigues said. "Everyone gravitates towards him. When the Chief says something, he means it. Like many others in Middletown, I wish the Chief well and hope he stays active in the community because he's certainly respected and admired here."
"Tony is not only a great Chief but an even better friend," Town Administrator Shawn J. Brown said. "He's done everything in law enforcement and has been a model for our community. I know I'm not alone when I say I will miss him and everything he's done for Middletown."
Originally, Pesare was hired by Middletown in 2004 as police chief, coming from a decorated career with the State Police, retiring as second in command of the department. That included time with the narcotics unit, intelligence unit and as detective commander, among other responsibilities.
Known for his understated quick wit and warm personality, Pesare has the innate ability to relate to everybody, whether in uniform or not.
For example, his "Coffee with The Chief" segments at the Middletown Senior Center and Middletown Public Library were well received and helped take people "behind the curtain" with today's law enforcement.
Under his leadership, the Middletown Police Department successfully achieved advanced national accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). This accreditation process provides an independent, third-party review of the department to ensure it follows the latest policies and procedures in law enforcement.
Additionally, the department secured two federal grants for upgrading the station's HVAC system and for the installation of a state-of-the-art dispatch center. A third COPS grant will allow for the addition of two officers to the School Resource Officer program.
The department also received recognition from the International Association of Chiefs of Police by completing the IACP’s One Mind Pledge. This involved collaborating with Newport County Mental Health, developing a response system for mental health crisis calls and training 20 percent of the officers in Crisis Intervention Training. As part of the effort, all officers received Mental Health First Aid training. The Middletown Police Department is one of only two in Rhode Island to have attained this prestigious status.
Pesare was not strictly an "in the office" type of chief. It wasn't uncommon to hear stories about Pesare making a traffic stop or searching for a suspect when the situation demanded.
He also worked hard to connect Middletown to community partners across the Ocean State, such as the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association, Newport County Mental Health, Salve Regina University, and others.
"I don't think it's any secret about my love for Middletown and what this community stands for and represents," Pesare said. "This town is a special place, and (my wife) Mary and I feel truly blessed to have made it our home for over twenty years."
When he's not Middletown's top cop, Pesare has spent time acting and writing books — They Always Win is a must-read — and his second book — Back in the Game — will be released soon.
He is also an adjunct professor at Salve Regina and Roger Williams universities. Pesare is a licensed attorney, and before he returned as chief, was assistant solicitor for prosecution for the town.
"You never know what surprises life has in store," Pesare said. "I’m eager to discover what the next chapter holds for me, but regardless of what comes, I’ll keep pressing on. That’s just the way I am."
Document Link: https://mdl.town/NYCU-Pesare
About Middletown
The Town of Middletown is a vibrant municipality located on Aquidneck Island, known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, diverse economy and strong sense of community. For more information about all we have to offer, visit MiddletownRI.gov online.
Media Contact
Matt Sheley
Public Affairs Officer
401-842-6543
msheley@middletownri.com