Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association Installs Executive Board for 2026
The Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association (RIPCA) installed its new Executive Board during a swearing-in ceremony on January 11 in Warwick.
The newly installed President, Barrington Police Chief Colonel Michael E. Correia, outlined his vision and priorities for the Association in 2026. His focus is on building upon the strong foundation of work accomplished by RIPCA: continuing to prioritize traffic safety, serving as a trusted resource for officer wellness, and effectively telling the story of law enforcement professionalism. “I am honored to serve as president of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association, and I look forward to working alongside all of you in the year ahead,” said Colonel Correia. “Together, we will continue to support one another, serve our communities, and uphold the values that make this profession so important.”
Providence Mayor Brett Smiley was the keynote speaker. “In public service, we know that public safety is the foundation of every strong, thriving city,” said Mayor Brett P. Smiley. “That sense of safety in our neighborhoods is a direct result of the hard work, dedication and selflessness of our law enforcement agencies and is made possible by their leadership. Last month’s tragedy at Brown University underscored how deep this commitment to public safety is when we saw men and women from police departments from across the state show up, lend a hand and help out our community with unwavering resolve. Providence is deeply grateful for the commitment of these officers and I am thrilled to be here today to help welcome in the new RIPCA Executive Board members.”
Senator Jack Reed and Congressman Seth Magaziner also addressed the gathering, and Associate Justice of the Rhode Island Superior Court, Joseph J. McBurney, swore in the new board.
The 2026 RIPCA Executive Board includes:
Colonel Michael E. Correia, Barrington Police Department – President
Colonel Correia joined the Barrington Police Department as its Chief in June 2021. Previously, he served for over 34 years with the Providence Police Department, where his assignments included Commander of the Detective Division, District Commander, and Narcotics Unit. His final position with the Providence Police was as Major in Command of the Uniformed Division. In 2025, Colonel Correia served on the RIPCA Executive Board as Vice President.
Chief Ryan Duffy, Newport Police Department – Vice President
Chief Ryan Duffy has served as the Chief of the Newport Police Department since June 2023. He began his career with the department in December of 2000, and steadily rose through the ranks, earning promotions to Investigator in July 2011, Sergeant in December 2012, Lieutenant in April 2016, Captain in January 2021, and Acting Police Chief in February 2023. Last year, Chief Duffy contributed to the RIPCA Executive Board as Sergeant-at-Arms.
Chief Brian Peters, Portsmouth Police Department – Sergeant-at-Arms
Chief Brian Peters began his career with the Portsmouth Police Department in February 1998 as a patrol officer. Over the years, he held a variety of assignments, including field training officer, Citizens’ Police Academy instructor, detective inspector, patrol sergeant, and detective lieutenant. From May 2013 to March 2018, he served as deputy chief of police before being officially sworn in as Chief in July 2019.
Colonel Michael J. Winquist, Cranston Police Department – Secretary
Colonel Winquist will continue serving as Secretary of the association this year. He was sworn in as the Cranston Police Chief in October 2014. Prior to this role, he spent more than 24 years with the Rhode Island State Police, where he served in numerous roles, including assignments in the Uniform Division, Detectives, Narcotics Unit, Providence Police Gang Task Force, ATF Task Force, Fusion Center, Intelligence Unit, and Motorcycle Team. He retired from the Rhode Island State Police as Lieutenant Colonel/Deputy Superintendent. Colonel Winquist also serves as Chairman of the Rhode Island Police Officers Commission on Standards and Training.
Chief Matthew C. Moynihan, South Kingstown Police Department – Treasurer
This year, Chief Moynihan will continue serving as Treasurer of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association, a role he has held since 2022. He was sworn in as Chief of the South Kingstown Police Department in June 2022, following his tenure as Chief in New Shoreham. Chief Moynihan dedicated 24 years to the Rhode Island State Police, retiring at the rank of Captain. During his time with RISP, he served in several positions, including District Commander overseeing the Uniform Bureau and several specialty units, interim Deputy Superintendent and Chief of Field Operations, Officer-in-Charge of the Major Crimes Unit, and Assistant Detective Commander.
Chief Thomas F. Oates III of the Woonsocket Police Department was recognized for his incredible leadership as President and will continue to serve on the Executive Board as Immediate Past President. Chief Oates has served as Chief of the Woonsocket Police Department since July 2016. Prior to this role, he served as Deputy Chief of the Providence Police Department. He spent over 36 years with the Providence Police, holding roles in every division. Before his tenure in Providence, he spent six years as a Police Officer in Smithfield.
