Central Falls to Host Farewell Ceremony for Police Chief

CENTRAL FALLS – On Thursday, April 25th at 5:00 p.m., Mayor James A. Diossa, Council President Maria Rivera, the Central Falls Police Department and local city officials will be bidding farewell to longtime Central Falls Police Chief Colonel James Mendonca. Colonel Mendonca will be leaving his current position to head the Rhode Island College campus police force starting on April 29^th, replacing police chief Fred Ghio, who retired in January of this year. Central Falls Police Major Daniel Barzykowski will take over as the interim police chief until a permanent replacement is selected.

“Chief Mendonca has dedicated almost 30 years to serving the community of Central Falls,” said Mayor James A. Diossa. “We would not have been able to decrease the city’s violent crime rate without his emphasis on community policing and leadership in our police department during my time as Mayor. He will be missed by his peers and the residents of Central Falls, but we are happy for his new role and wish him the best in his future endeavor.”

The Farewell Ceremony for Police Chief Colonel James Mendonca will take place at Central Falls City Hall, Council Chambers (580 Broad Street) starting at 5:00 p.m.