Pawtucket - Mayor Donald R. Grebien announced today the formation of a search
committee to assist the City in identifying a Public Safety Director. The Public
Safety Director will oversee police, fire and the City's Emergency Management Agency
(EMA), and work to implement best practices, identify improvements, and provide high
quality services to Pawtucket's residents.
"The safety of our residents is our number one priority and this investment in a
standalone director reinforces that priority," said Mayor Donald R. Grebien. "We are
looking to become even more proactive and strategic in our approach as we move
forward and address the future needs of this great city."
"The public safety needs of communities across the country are rapidly growing, with
new technologies, increasing costs, and shifting criminal tactics," said Committee
Chair Steven O'Donnell. "I'm honored to assist Pawtucket in identifying a candidate
to lead this work."
The Public Safety Director will address growing needs across the three departments
working as a cohesive unit to increase efficiencies. With increasing day-to-day
challenges placed upon fire, police, and EMA the director will focus on long-term
priorities, including, updating systems, addressing aging facility needs, and
building community relationships.
The Search Committee, over the next two months, will hold a public input meeting,
identify key selection criteria, interview candidates, and refer finalists to the
Mayor. The Committee held its first meeting on January 4, 2017.
Director of Public Safety Search Committee
Steven O'Donnell (Chair), Retired Colonel of the RI State Police and Chief Executive
Officer of the Greater Providence YMCA
Ken Bell, cyber-security expert and retired RI State Police Officer
Jack Chartier, Rhode Island State Fire Marshall
Sandra Cano, City Councilor
Gary Convertino, resident and Pawtucket Personnel Board Chair
PJ Fox, Executive Director, The Institute for the Study and Practice of Nonviolence
Peter Gaynor, Director, RI Emergency Management Agency
Antonio J. Pires, Director of Public Safety/ Director of Administration
Arthur Plitt, resident and President of the Neighborhood Alliance of Pawtucket
Patricia St. Germain, resident and President of the Fairlawn Against Crime Team (FACT)
Timothy Sanzi, Captain and Executive Officer, RI Department of Public Safety
Larry Smith, Pastor, Woodlawn Baptist Church
Dijini Tavares, Cape Verdean American Community Development (CACD)
