North Kingstown Police Captain Dies From Sudden Illness

NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI — North Kingstown police Capt. Paul Barry died Wednesday after a battle with a sudden illness, police said.

Barry, 48, served on the North Kingston police force for 26 years.

"Everyone that knew Captain Barry, knew that he was a True-Blue Cop’s Cop to the end," police said in a Facebook post.

Barry, an alumnus of Roger Williams University, graduated from the Rhode Island Municipal Police Academy in December 1995 and then began his career in North Kingstown. He steadily rose up the ranks, becoming a detective in 2001, then a sergeant in 2008 and a lieutenant in 2010. In 2015, he served as an acting captain before getting promoted to the position permanently in July 2016.

"Throughout his career, Captain Barry received numerous Department and Division commendations, as well as many letters of accolades," police said. "In addition, in 2005 he was named Rotary Police Officer of the Year."

The flag at North Kingstown's public safety complex will be flown at half-staff until the completion of burial services. Barry's wake is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday at Fagan-Quinn Funeral Home at 825 Boston Neck Road in North Kingstown.

His funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m., Saturday at 11 a.m. at St. Bernard Church, at 275 Tower Hill Road, followed by a Christian burial at Elm Grove Cemeter, at 960 Tower Hill Road.