NORTH SMITHFIELD – A high-ranking officer who has served on the force for more than two decades has been named the new chief of the North Smithfield Police Department.
Town Administrator Gary Ezovski announced on Friday, Feb. 28 that Capt. Tim Lafferty will replace former Chief Steven Reynolds, who retired earlier this month.
Lafferty, who has worked for the department since he was hired by Reynolds in 1996, was reportedly one of several applicants for the position.
“Tim’s 23 years of dedicated service to our community as a patrolman, detective, lieutenant and captain, the core values he holds for law enforcement, plus the fervent respect he has for his fellow officers and the people of the town that he serves, give me confidence that he will provide the leadership needed to continue the high expectations that we all have for the North Smithfield Police Department,” said Ezovski.
One of two seconds-in-command for the department, Lafferty was named captain in 1997 and is currently in charge of administration and prosecution, as well as maintaining the records management system. He received a bachelor’s degree in administration of justice from Roger William’s University in 1999, and studied criminal investigation at the University of Rhode Island from 2003-2004. He is certified in firearms instruction, BCIs and evidence management.
Reynolds had recommended the captain for the position.
The new chief will take the oath of office at the Town Council meeting on Monday, March 2.
“Join us on Monday as we wish Tim well in these new responsibilities,” Ezovski said.
