East Providence Mayor Roberto DaSilva swears in East Providence Police Chief Michael J. Rapoza on Tuesday evening during a Promotional Ceremony at East Providence High School. (Photo Courtesy East Providence Police Department)
EAST PROVIDENCE — A bagpiper led the way as the newly promoted East Providence Police officers entered the East Providence High School auditorium.
The crowd was packed with family and friends, retired and current fellow officers.
All 19 officers — a permanent Chief, a Deputy Chief, three Captains, four Lieutenants, six Sergeants and four Detectives — stood on stage Tuesday night. They each took an oath and stood at attention as loved ones pinned their badges on their uniforms.
On Jan. 27, the East Providence Police Department held a long overdue Promotional Ceremony. Many of the officers have been serving in their new roles for some time, and the ceremony provided an opportunity to formally recognize their leadership and service.
“They say a police department reflects the community it serves,” said Chief Michael J. Rapoza, who following Tuesday’s ceremony can finally drop the “Acting” before his title. “Tonight, as I look around this room filled with dedicated officers from this agency and beyond proud families, city leaders and those who built this department before us, I am reminded just how strong the City of East Providence truly is. Thank you all for being here tonight to share in this important moment for the East Providence Police Department. I am truly honored and humbled to stand before you as the new Chief of Police.”
Chief Rapoza thanked East Providence Mayor Roberto DaSilva “for his confidence, trust, and support.”
“Mayor DaSilva, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this community in this role and I look forward to continuing to work together in the best interests of the City of East Providence,” said Chief Rapoza. “Tonight is about leadership, commitment, and the future of this department. I want to congratulate all of the officers being promoted this evening. Promotion to a supervisory rank is not just a recognition of past performance — it is a commitment to lead, to mentor, and to set the standard for those who will follow. You are our future leaders, and the expectations are high because the potential is even higher.”
“Today we prepare to swear in some incredibly talented people, and these are the people who will continue to be leading this department decades into the future,” said Mayor DaSilva. “We’ve got a young group of people here who are being promoted to Detective, we’ve got people who are being promoted to Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Chief and Deputy Chief. We are blessed that we were able to promote from within. It was not a difficult choice, when the opening became available, to find Chief Rapoza and Deputy Chief Benoit.”
PROMOTIONS
- Chief of Police — Michael J. Rapoza
- Deputy Chief — Andy Benoit
- Captains — Brian Mulvey, David Pacheco, Maari Beltrami Stainer
- Lieutenants — Kelvin Cabrera, Conor Debold, Roland Estrada, Stephen Rodrigues
- Sergeants — Christopher Cooney, Quint Dow, Ryan Feeney, Jay Rainville, Kurt Ripke, Michael Sullivan
- Detectives — Kristopher Correia, Ryan Havunen, Jason Nogler, Stephen Ohsberg
BIOS
Deputy Chief Andy Benoit
Deputy Chief Benoit has been a resident of East Providence since he was 2 years old, graduating from East Providence High School in 2000. He then attended the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI), where he earned an Associate Degree in Law Enforcement.
Deputy Chief Benoit was hired by the East Providence Police Department in 2003. In 2005, he was selected for the department’s Special Reaction Team. Due to his leadership abilities, he rose through the internal ranks to team leader, assistant commander and, since 2022, team commander.
Deputy Chief Benoit was promoted to Sergeant in 2014 where he was assigned to the Patrol Division. In 2017, he was promoted to Lieutenant where he served in the Patrol Division and as the Administrative Lieutenant. Deputy Chief Benoit was later assigned to the Prosecution Division until being promoted to Captain in 2023. He was assigned to the Services Division and was responsible for records and communications.
In April 2025, Benoit was named Acting Deputy Chief and has been in charge of the day-to-day operations of the agency, strategically and financially
Capt. Brian Mulvey
Capt. Mulvey attended Lynchburg College and Roger Williams University. He graduated from the Rhode Island Municipal Police Academy in December 1997 and began his career with the East Providence Police Department in the Patrol Division. He became a field training officer and drug recognition expert (DRE), was assigned to the Community Policing Unit and then to the Traffic Division, where he became a certified traffic reconstructionist. In 2013, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and became a road supervisor in the Patrol Division. In 2019, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant where he served in the Patrol Division, Planning & Training Unit and Detective Division. In April 2025, he was promoted to the rank of Captain and currently serves as Patrol Commander.
Capt. David Pacheco
Capt. Pacheco joined the East Providence Police Department in 2000. He served in the patrol division as a patrol officer for 10 years where he also served as a field training officer. In 2010, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, and in 2014 he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. He served as a shift officer in charge (OIC) and as the Detective Lieutenant before moving to the Planning and Training Division. He was promoted to Captain in 2025 and is currently the Commander in charge of the Operations Division. Capt. Pacheco has served as an instructor for the department and for the Rhode Island Municipal Police Academy, and Advisor for the East Providence Police Explorers program, as well as the assistant director of the Explorer Police Academy since its inception in 2010.
Capt. Maari Beltrami Stainer
Capt. Stainer has served in law enforcement for 27 years, 22 of which have been dedicated to the City of East Providence. She holds a master’s degree in criminal justice administration and a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Throughout her career in the East Providence Police Department, she has served in numerous roles, starting as a Patrol Officer, becoming a Field Training Officer, joining the Peer Support Team and being named a Special Reaction Team Operator. She has proudly been an Instructor at the RI Municipal Police Training Academy since 2007. Her teaching specialties include Fitness Instructor, Day One Cadre, Fair & Impartial Policing and Report Writing. Capt. Stainer was promoted to Detective assigned to Major Crimes, and later promoted to Sergeant, serving in the Patrol Division and then assigned to the Office of Professional Standards. Next, as a Lieutenant, she first served as a Patrol Commander, then led the Planning and Training Unit. This move prompted the first Accreditation Manager position, in which she assisted the Police Department in earning state accreditation. In her last role as Lieutenant, she led the Prosecution Unit. Capt. Stainer oversees the Department’s Honor Guard, Crisis Negotiation Team and the RAD Women’s Self Defense Program. She now serves as the Department’s Services Division Commander.
Lt. Kelvin Cabrera
Lt. Cabrera is in his 18th year with the East Providence Police Department, and he holds a master’s degree in homeland security and intelligence with a concentration in cybersecurity from Salve Regina University. He’s held multiple assignments in various divisions throughout his career to include Patrolman in the Patrol Division where he was also a Field Training Officer (FTO), an Investigator within the Special Investigation Unit, a Task Force Officer for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Task Force, an Inspector for both the Services and Prosecution Divisions, and a School Resource Officer at the East Providence High School within the Community Policing Unit. Eventually he was promoted to Sergeant in 2022, and in 2024 he was once again assigned back to the Community Policing Unit, but now as the Unit’s Supervisor. In May 2025, he was asked to fill the position of Acting Lieutenant, to which he accepted without hesitation and has been working in that capacity ever since. Additionally, Lt. Cabrera is currently a team leader for the police department’s Crisis Negotiation Team, of which he has been a member since 2016. He is also a member of the police department’s Drone Unit.
Lt. Conor Debold
Lt. Debold has been with the East Providence Police Department for nine years. He holds two bachelor’s degrees from the University of New Haven as well as a master’s degree from Salve Regina University. He has served in various roles throughout his career such as Field Training Officer, Traffic Division Officer, Patrol Supervisor, and currently serves as an Assistant Team Leader on the Special Reaction Team and a Firearms Instructor for the Municipal Police Academy.
Lt. Roland Estrada
Lt. Estrada has proudly served the East Providence Police Department for 14 years, and has distinguished himself through assignments of increasing responsibility across patrol, investigative, supervisory, tactical, and training divisions. He began his career in Patrol, later served as a School Resource Officer at East Providence High School, and then the EPPD Vice Unit. For the past 10 years, he has been a member of the department’s Special Reaction Team. He served as a Class Training Officer at the Rhode Island Municipal Police Training Academy and as a Professional Standards Sergeant. He currently holds the position of Planning and Training Lieutenant, overseeing the recruitment, hiring, training and professional development of new East Providence Police officers.
Lt. Stephen Rodrigues
Lt. Rodrigues was hired by the department in 2012 and served several years in the Patrol Division. He was promoted to Detective and assigned to the Major Crimes Unit, later promoted to Sergeant, serving in both Patrol Division and Community Policing Unit. Following his promotion to Lieutenant, he returned to the Patrol Division before being assigned to the Technical Services Unit, where he is currently assigned. Lt. Rodrigues attended Roger Williams University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, and he’s currently pursuing a master’s degree in public administration. He has been a member of the department’s Special Reaction Team, serving in multiple capacities including entry team member, sniper and team leader. He also played a key role in establishing the department’s Drone Program, supporting both operational and specialized deployments. He has also served as a Class Training Officer for the Rhode Island Municipal Police Academy. In addition to his operational assignments, Lt. Rodrigues helped establish the department’s annual charity car show, Cops & Rodders, which benefits The Tomorrow Fund.
Sgt. Christopher Cooney
Sgt. Cooney was hired in December of 2017 and began his career in the Patrol Division. In 2020, he was selected for assignment to the Special Reaction Team (SRT), initially serving as an operator. Through demonstrated leadership, performance and commitment to the mission, he was subsequently selected as Team Leader and most recently as Assistant Team Commander. In November of 2022, he was selected for assignment to the Vice Unit, where he gained experience conducting proactive narcotics investigations and managing complex casework. In February 2024, he was assigned to the United States Postal Inspection Service Task Force, where he is currently assigned and operates in a joint federal task force environment. In February 2025, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He earned a master’s degree in cybersecurity from Salve Regina University and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Endicott College.
Sgt. Quint Dow
Sgt. Dow was raised in the Rumford section of East Providence, where his parents still reside. He attended East Providence High School and later earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice. He joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 2007 and served until 2014, when he entered the Rhode Island Municipal Police Academy for the Town of Barrington. In 2018, Sgt. Dow transferred back home to East Providence. He has served in a variety of positions, starting as a Patrol Officer, followed by Field Training Officer, and joining the Special Reaction Team (SRT) and as a Peer Support Team Member. He was later assigned to the Community Policing Unit as one of the high school’s two School Resource Officers, prior to his promotion to Sergeant. Sgt. Dow is also a member of the famous East Providence Police Department Hockey Team.
Sgt. Ryan Feeney
Sgt. Feeney started his career in East Providence in December 2017 and was assigned to the Patrol Division. In 2020, he was designated as a Field Training Officer, and in 2022 he was appointed to the Special Reaction Team. In 2023, he was assigned to the Special Investigations Unit. He serves as a close-quarter battle and patrol rifle/pistol instructor, currently assisting with the training of officers in the pistol mounted optics program. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in June of 2025 and currently serves as evening shift Road Sergeant.
Sgt. Jay Rainville
Graduate of the 2010 Rhode Island Municipal Police Academy, Sgt. Rainville spent a year with Foster Police before transferring to North Smithfield Police. There, he rose to the rank of Sergeant. He joined the East Providence Police Department in 2017, spending two years in the Patrol Division before he was transferred to the Traffic Division. In May 2024, he became Acting Sergeant and was promoted to Sergeant in April 2025. Sgt. Rainville has been a K-9 handler since 2013 and is currently handling his third canine, K-9 Okki.
Sgt. Kurt Ripke
Sgt. Ripke, a former Tiverton Police officer, was hired by the East Providence Police Department in 2018. He served in the patrol ranks until early 2022 when he was transferred to the Detective Division, and permanently promoted to the rank of Detective in 2022. While serving as Detective, he was selected as a Task Force Officer for Homeland Security Investigations and served in that capacity until his promotion to the rank of Sergeant in February 2025. Sgt. Ripke also assisted with the department’s Digital Forensics Program and is a member of the department’s Special Reaction Team.
Sgt. Michael Sullivan
Sgt. Sullivan was a collegiate athlete and graduated from the University of Rhode Island with his degree in criminal justice in 2013. He was hired by the Town of Foster in 2015 and transferred to the East Providence Police Department in 2018, spending multiple years in the Patrol Division as a Field Training Officer. He was promoted to the rank of Detective Corporal in 2022, serving in the Special Victims Unit. He has served as a member of the SRT for the past four years, and currently serves as the Road Supervisor in the Patrol Division.
Detective Corp. Kristopher Correia
Detective Corp. Correia was born and raised in East Providence. After graduating from East Providence High School in 2012, he enlisted in the Rhode Island Army National Guard as a Military Police Officer while attending Rhode Island College. In 2016, he earned a bachelor’s degree in justice studies and sociology. In 2018, he began his law enforcement career with the Warren Police Department. In 2020, he deployed overseas in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, serving in both Iraq and Syria. He joined the East Providence Police Department in 2022, and was assigned to the Patrol Division. In April 2022, he received the Lifesaving Award for his immediate critical care provided to a stabbing victim. He became a Field Training Officer in November 2022, and in 2023 deployed again, serving in Iraq with a Special Operations Group in continued support of Operation Inherent Resolve. After returning to EPPD, he completed the Rhode Island Basic Pistol Instructor Course in 2024 and subsequently joined the Rhode Island Municipal Police Training Academy’s firearms instruction staff. He was promoted to Acting Detective Corporal in April 2025 and selected to join the SRT the same month. In August 2025, he was selected as a Class Training Officer for the 145th Academy Session.
Detective Ryan Havunen
Detective Havunen joined the East Providence Police Department in December 2020 as a Patrol Officer. In 2022, he became a certified Field Training Officer, where he trained many of the officers currently serving in the Patrol Division. In March 2023, he became a certified physical fitness assessment and battery instructor. In 2023, he became a certified pistol and rifle instructor and was assigned as a School Resource Officer at Martin Middle School. In February 2025, he was promoted to the rank of Detective Corporal, where he currently serves in the Major Crimes Unit in the Detective Division.
Detective Jason Nogler
Detective Nogler has worked for the East Providence Police Department for four years. He was assigned to the Patrol Division for those four years, and later served as a Field Training Officer. He holds Taser instructor and lockup instructor certifications, and for the past three years has represented the EPPD at the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Foundation’s annual Flames of Hope 5K race with the department’s pink cruiser.
Detective Stephen Ohsberg
Detective Ohsberg graduated from Norwich University in 2019. He enrolled in the Rhode Island Municipal Police Academy in 2020 and went on to serve in the patrol division for three years, obtaining the title of Field Training Officer. He joined the SRT and then applied for the rank of Detective. In 2024, he was promoted to Acting Detective, and in May of that year the rank became permanent. In June 2024, he was promoted to Acting Sergeant.
Chief Michael J. Rapoza
Chief Rapoza began his law enforcement career with the Swansea Police Department, where he worked for several years as a patrol officer. He was hired by the East Providence Police Department in 2005. As a patrol officer, Chief Rapoza served as a field training officer, drug recognition expert and department firearms instructor. He was assigned to the department’s Vice/Narcotics Division where he served for several years. While in the Vice Unit, Chief Rapoza worked in an undercover capacity for the DEA Providence Office and the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office South Coast Anit-Crime Team based out of New Bedford. After being promoted to sergeant, Chief Rapoza returned to the Patrol Division for several years before being transferred to the Office of Professional Standards.
Chief Rapoza had temporary assignments to the Rhode Island Municipal Police Academy where he was a firearms instructor and eventually the firearms program manager for the State of Rhode Island’s police departments. He returned to the Patrol Division as a Lieutenant and was eventually promoted to Captain. As Captain, Chief Rapoza commanded the Services Division and the Operations Division.
In April 2025, Chief Rapoza was promoted to Deputy Chief, and then Acting Chief in June 2025.
Additionally, he was a member of the department’s Peer Support Team for 18 years, as well as an operator and team leader of the Special Reaction Team for 16 years. Recently, his focus has been on officer wellness and providing the tools for officers and civilian staff to perform to the best of their abilities.
“I would also like to thank the friends, family members, and public safety professionals — both current and retired — who are here tonight,” Chief Rapoza told the audience. “Your support, sacrifice, and belief in the men and women of this department do not go unnoticed.”
Chief Rapoza took a moment to mention his family from the lectern on stage.
“To my wife, Meredith, and daughters, Emelia and Charlotte, thank you for your patience, and your support through long nights, missed holidays, and the challenges that come with this profession,” said Chief Rapoza. “I would also like to recognize my mother and father, who were both born and raised right here in East Providence. This city is part of who I am. Thank you for instilling in me the values of hard work, integrity, and service.”
His wife and daughters pinned the Chief’s badge on his chest.
Chief Rapoza earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Westfield State College and a Master of Public Administration degree from Johnson & Wales University. He also earned a Graduate Certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia and is a proud graduate of the FBI’s National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
“Policing today is not without its challenges,” said Chief Rapoza. “Current events, heightened scrutiny, and evolving expectations require us to be better, smarter, and more unified than ever before. As Chief, my vision is clear: we will foster professionalism, accountability, and a strong commitment to community service. We will strive — every single day — to be the best law enforcement agency in the State of Rhode Island. To do that, we must take care of our people. Officer wellness will be a priority. Continued education and training will be essential. We will provide our officers with the best equipment possible and work to ensure a safe, supportive, and rewarding work environment — one where our officers can thrive both professionally and personally.”
Chief Rapoza asked all the retired East Providence Police officers in the crowd to stand.
“These men and women each played an integral role in shaping this department — and my career — in different ways,” said Chief Rapoza. “Some taught me exactly what to do, and others, maybe what not to do. And I say that with the utmost respect and a smile. Please join me in giving our retired officers a well-deserved round of applause.”
One of the retired officers once shared some wise words with Chief Rapoza.
“If you take care of your officers, they’ll take care of you,” he told the future Chief. “That principle will guide me every day as Chief. This opportunity to lead the men and women of the East Providence Police Department is an unbelievable honor. I am extremely grateful, deeply proud, and fully committed to wearing this uniform with integrity, dedication, and pride. Thank you for your trust, your support, and for believing in the future of this great department. Together, we will continue to serve the City of East Providence with honor.”
Police Officer’s Oath
I do solemnly swear that I will be alert and vigilant to enforce the criminal laws of this state, that I will not be influenced in any matter on account of personal bias or prejudice; that I will faithfully and impartially execute the duties of my office as a law enforcement officer according to the best of my skill, abilities and judgement; so help me God.
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East Providence Mayor Roberto DaSilva, right, and now permanent East Providence Police Chief Michael J. Rapoza posed for a photo together after Tuesday evening’s Promotional Ceremony at East Providence High School. (Photo Courtesy East Providence Police Department)
East Providence Mayor Roberto DaSilva swears in East Providence Police Deputy Chief Andy Benoit. (Photo Courtesy East Providence Police Department)
The badges assigned to all of the officers due for promotions were laid out neatly on a table on the stage prior to Tuesday evening’s Promotional Ceremony. (Photo Courtesy East Providence Police Department)
The East Providence Police Honor Guard presented the colors as Amber Bennett sang the National Anthem to begin Tuesday’s ceremony. (Photo Courtesy East Providence Police Department)
East Providence Mayor Roberto DaSilva swears in East Providence Police Captains Brian Mulvey, David Pacheco and Maari Beltrami Stainer. (Photo Courtesy East Providence Police Department)
East Providence Mayor Roberto DaSilva swears in East Providence Police Sergeants Christopher Cooney, Quint Dow, Ryan Feeney, Jay Rainville, Kurt Ripke and Michael Sullivan. (Photo Courtesy East Providence Police Department)
East Providence Mayor Roberto DaSilva swears in East Providence Police Detectives Kristopher Correia, Ryan Havunen, Jason Nogler and Stephen Ohsberg. (Photo Courtesy East Providence Police Department)
East Providence Police Sgt. Kurt Ripke hugs his family after they pinned his badge onto his uniform. (Photo Courtesy East Providence Police Department)
East Providence Mayor Roberto DaSilva swears in East Providence Police Lieutenants Kelvin Cabrera, Conor Debold, Roland Estrada and Stephen Rodrigues. (Photo Courtesy East Providence Police Department)
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