“It’s not just a position but a promise,” Col. Michael Lima said during his speech at the Warwick Police Department’s promotional ceremony at the Crowne Plaza last Thursday. Lima was promoted to chief of police following former Col. Bradford Connor’s retirement from the department.

The ceremony began with the posting of the colors, led by retired officer Lewis Pickering Jr. playing the bagpipes, and a performance of the national anthem by Detective Oliver M. Pinheiro. The ceremony was guided along efficiently and professionally by Master of Ceremonies Officer Ryan Shibley. Notable attendees included Mayor Frank Picozzi, City Council President Anthony Sinapi, former and current members of the City Council, Chief of Staff William Facente, former Mayor Scott Avedisian and active and retired Warwick officers.

After an invocation from Police Chaplin The Rev. Robert Marciano, Picozzi gave opening remarks introducing Connor’s retirement and Lima’s promotion.

Col. Bradford Connor steps down

“I can’t emphasize how significant, important and momentous this event is,” said Picozzi. “Although I am very excited, it’s also a very bittersweet occasion. Today is also a day of gratitude, reflection and honor as we recognize the retirement of a man who has left a lasting mark on our city.” Col. Bradford Connor served as a WPD officer for 27 years, rising through the ranks to become chief of police for over four years.

Picozzi described Connor as a “leader among leaders,” who led with integrity, honesty and compassion. He was elected president of the RI Police Chiefs Association by his peers. Myor Picozzi thanked Connor for his many years of service, and the trust that he built with his fellow officers and members of the community. “There’s no one in the world that I trust and respect and admire more than Brad Connor. Appointing him chief when I became mayor turned out to be the best and wisest decision I’d ever made,” he said.  

“I will never miss an opportunity to brag about the police department,” Connor said. “I was once told that I have the easiest chief’s job in Rhode Island, and at the end of four and a half years, I can honestly say I agree with that statement. After all, I inherited a longstanding, well-respected and successful agency full of bright, energetic law enforcement professionals.”

Connor reflected on his experience with the WPD, explaining the challenges that the department faced such as lack of personnel and major cases. He thanked his wife, Carla, and Picozzi for “taking a chance” on him. “Stay safe, and I’ll always keep you close to my heart,” he said to his colleagues. 

Lima pinned chief of police

“Tonight, we honor not only a new chapter of Michael Lima’s remarkable career, but a moment of great promise for our city,” said Picozzi. “Michael, as you take this oath, know that you do so with the full support of the city, my administration, myself and the legacy of leaders that came before you, including Colonel Brad Connor.”

Lima was sworn in as the WPD’s 15^th chief of police. He has served with the WPD for 21 years and previously served with distinction for five years as a police officer in Somersworth, N.H. He is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a bachelor’s degree in sociology.

Lima was pinned as chief of police by his wife, Melissa, and accompanied by his two sons as he took the oath of office.

“You’ve carried the weight of this career as much as I have, quietly, patiently, with incredible strength,” Lima said to his wife.

“I’ve been with him for a long time, and I’ve moved up the ranks with him. I’m very honored to do that,” Melissa said. “His children are very excited about this because all they ever wanted was their dad to become chief, and now he’s done it.”

In his speech, Lima discussed the recent staffing challenges the department faced and how the WPD directly addressed it with graduating the first class of 15 officers from its own police academy earlier this month. As for his goals as chief, Lima aims to put more emphasis on community engagement.

“This is not just a strategy, it’s a philosophy. It’s about building relationships, fostering trust and ensuring that the public sees us not only in times of crisis, but as visible, engaged and approachable partners in their neighborhoods,” he said.

Lima also expressed renewing the department’s commitment to officer health and wellness, especially by providing and normalizing mental-health resources.

Other officers sworn in

“This ceremony is not just about one individual, each of us earned this moment through hard work, personal sacrifice and a deep commitment to the values of this department,” said Lima.

Not only did Lima receive a promotion, but so did several other officers. Commander Andrew Sullivan was sworn in as the new deputy chief, assuming Lima’s former position. Major Robert Hart was sworn in as the administrative bureau commander, assuming Sullivan’s former position. Other promotions included Capt. Matthew Higgins, Capt. Timothy Kenyon, Lt. Charles Austin Jr., Sgt. Frank Montanaro Jr., Sgt. Zachary Black and Detective Nicholas DeLuca.