Newport Gives Acting Police Chief Ryan Duffy The Official Title

NEWPORT, RI — Acting Newport Police Chief Ryan Duffy was named the city's next police chief, city officials said Tuesday.

Duffy replaces former Chief Gary Silva. Silva retired in February after 12 years at the helm of the department. He also served on the Newport police force for more than 35 years.

Duffy has risen through the ranks over his nearly 23-year career with the city. He was one of four internal candidates who interviewed for the job and one of two finalists to take part in a public forum last week.

"This is an honor of a lifetime," Duffy said. "Having spent my entire career as a police officer in the city of Newport, I am looking forward to continuing to work alongside the men and women of this department. I know that working together and with our community partners, we can make Newport an even better place to live, work, and visit."

Duffy, who first joined the department in December 2000, rose steadily through the ranks, earning promotions to investigator in July 2011, sergeant in December 2012, lieutenant in April 2016, captain in January 2021, and acting police chief this past February.

He is scheduled to be sworn in as police chief at Newport City Hall at 2 p.m. Friday.