Narragansett Police Chief Tapped to Lead DEM Law Enforcement Division

The next person to lead the state Department of Environmental Management’s Division of Law Enforcement is a man acclimated to policing around state parks, public waterways and along Rhode Island’s varied coastline, from sandy beaches to rugged rocks.

Dean Hoxsie, Narragansett’s police chief, has been hired and will take command next month, according to a DEM announcement on Friday.

Hoxsie, who has three decades of law enforcement experience, rose the ranks in Narragansett, becoming chief five years ago.

“I am honored to be given the opportunity to lead one of the State’s premier law enforcement agencies,” Hoxsie said in prepared remarks. “This position encompasses all of my passions for the outdoors. I look forward to serving the men and women of the Environmental Police and the residents of Rhode Island.”

Over the years, Hoxsie has served a department with a patrol beat that is uniquely waterfront along its entire eastern boundary. The town is also home to numerous state managed parks, beaches, a commercial port and remarkable ecological diversity. Narragansett is also a major tourist draw due to its spectacular ocean access, which means Hoxsie has considerable experience leading a department that needs considerable skill deploying boats and divers.

“Our Division of Law Enforcement works around the clock, ensuring public safety and enforcing environmental laws,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. “I am extremely proud of our team and the reputation we’ve built in the community and know Chief Hoxsie will be a strong and effective leader of the Division. With his combination of police experience and love for the outdoors, he brings an important perspective and voice to our senior leadership team. During the transition, the Division will continue to be led by Acting Chief Kurt Blanchard and Deputy Chief Frank Floor - who’ve been invaluable in managing the Division over the last many months.”

Hoxsie also has served as Narragansett’s Acting Town Manager during a period of leadership turmoil between 2012 and 2013, providing the town an anchor of stability during a search for a new leader.

A Narragansett native and respected member of the community, Chief Hoxsie earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Roger Williams University and is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island’s State Crime Laboratory program. He is also an active member of the local and regional law enforcement community and an avid hunter and fisherman, having served as Acting Harbormaster in Narragansett during his long career in public service.

Photo courtesy: Narragansett Police Department via Facebook (cropped for this story)