SCITUATE, R.I. -- Johnston's deputy police chief was chosen to lead the R.I. Division of Sheriffs, State Police Supt. Steven G. O'Donnell announced Thursday.
Acting as commissioner of public safety, Col. O'Donnell named Deputy Chief David M. DeCesare as chief sheriff. Besides overseeing judicial security, DeCesare will lead the division's 175 employees involved in transporting prisoners and defendants to courts and other facilities.
DeCesare, a Johnston police officer for 24 years, was chosen from dozens of candidates, O'Donnell said. He is Johnston's emergency management director and was awarded two medals of valor. He and his wife of 18 years have two daughters.
"I am proud to have selected such a distinguished member of the law-enforcement community for this important position," O'Donnell said.