Mayor Grebien Swears in Pawtucket Police Chief Tina Goncalves
Six officers also sworn in to new positions during the promotional ceremony
PAWTUCKET ??? Mayor Donald R. Grebien swore in Tina Goncalves as Police Chief of Pawtucket at a ceremony at Lyman B. Goff Middle School. Chief Goncalves is Pawtucket???s first female chief and the first female municipal police chief in Rhode Island. State leaders, representatives, senators, city councilors, police chiefs and officers from around the state attended the ceremony.
Chief Goncalves began her career with the Pawtucket Police Department nineteen years ago, and served in the Patrol, Narcotics, Detective, and Major Crimes Divisions, as well as the Sex Offender Law Enforcement Multidisciplinary Network. She rose through the ranks as Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain and Major.
Chief Goncalves holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Roger Williams University and a Juris Doctorate from Roger Williams University School of Law. She is a licensed attorney in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
Before administering the oath, Mayor Grebien said ???Chief Goncalves has dedicated 19 years of her life to serving our community. She is hardworking, attending law school and becoming an attorney while at the Department, and is a team player, inspiring those around her to be better by serving as an example and mentor. Tina knows Pawtucket like the back of her hand and cares deeply about the success and safety of our community.?? I have the utmost confidence in her to oversee the Department and to help bring our operations to the next level.???
Chief Tina Goncalves thanked her family and guests, and said ???I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to Mayor Grebien, Director Pires and Director Vartanian for an opportunity to lead the Pawtucket Police Department into the future.?? I pledge to hold myself to the highest standard achievable. I???ve been fortunate enough to take the skills I have acquired over my nineteen-year career in law enforcement and with my juris doctorate degree and combine them with the skills I have developed from the leaders I have served under to develop a strong sense of leadership and commitment to my profession. The Pawtucket Police Department is committed to a proactive partnership with our residential and business community in an effort to enhance public safety, reduce fear and crime in the city. We will continue to work toward engaging the community to solve problems that affect the environment in which they live. Today is the day for a new beginning and a progressive future.???
Master of Ceremonies Antonio J. Pires said ???Chief Goncalves and the individual officers have earned their promotion based on their performance and professional contributions to the wellbeing of the Department. They, and others in the command staff, have made this a strong police division.???
Public Safety Director James Vartanian swore in Daniel P. Mullen as Major (promoted from Detective Captain). Mullen, a twenty-three-year veteran on the force, is a former special response team member and firearms instructor.????
Michael K. Kane, Jr. was sworn in as Captain (promoted from Lieutenant). Serving on the force for twenty-one years, he has been the recipient of numerous achievement and commendation awards and is the current Officer-In-Charge of the Honor Guard.
Yuri Wozny, a member of the Department for 18 years, was sworn in as Lieutenant (promoted from Sergeant). He has served on the Neighborhood Response Unit, Special Squad, Special Response Team, Motorcycle Unit, and as a firearms instructor.
Emmanuel Emillio Mejia was sworn in as Patrol Sergeant (promoted from Patrol Officer). He is a veteran of the United States Army and served as a military police officer during Operation Iraqi Freedom. During his time at the Department, he has been a field training officer and school resource officer.
Craig Allison was sworn in as Sergeant (promoted from Patrol Officer). He is a life-long resident of Pawtucket, and has served as a field training officer and child passenger safety technician. During his time on the force, he has also been awarded several commendation awards.
John Donley was sworn in as Sergeant (promoted from Patrolman). He holds a master???s degree in criminal justice, as well as a bachelor???s degree in the same field. He has served as a drug recognition expert and field training officer receiving commendations and citations for his efforts.