Johnston Flags At Half Mast After Former Police Chief Dies At 54

JOHNSTON, RI — Flags in Johnston will be flown at half-mast after Johnston Police Department's former Chief of Police Joe Razza died Friday morning at the age of 54, Mayor Joe Polisena Jr. said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"It is with great sadness to inform you that our former Chief of Police, Joe Razza, passed away this morning," read the statement, in part. "We have been granted permission by the Governor to fly our flags at half-staff."

In his own statement, Governor Dan McKee said he has directed Rhode Island state flags to be flown at half-staff at all state facilities and buildings.

The flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on the day of interment, according to McKee.

"Our thoughts are with the entire Razza family and the people of Johnston," McKee said.

After more than two decades of service within the department, Razza was promoted to chief of police at the Johnston Police Department in 2020.

Patch reached out to the department for comment.

This story is being updated.