Former Narragansett Police Chief Chosen to Head State Emergency Management

Gov Donald L. Carcieri has selected J. David Smith as the new Executive Director of the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency. “I am very pleased to announce the appointment of J. David Smith as the Executive Director of the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency. He possesses the credentials, experience, management skills and leadership ability to serve the people of Rhode Island well. He is a dedicated public servant who has demonstrated his tireless commitment to the safety and security of the people of Rhode Island. Moreover, Chief Smith has already done critical work for the EMA by spearheading the development of the state-wide emergency communication infrastructure.” said the Governor.

“Dave Smith has the background necessary to take charge of this agency and coordinate all the diverse elements involved.” said Major General Robert Bray. “I am confident that his arrival will be well received and will signal a commitment to address the many challenges presented by the need for a coordinated multi-agency and multi-jurisdiction Homeland Security focus. Chief Smith has been a key participant for many years in State Emergency Management initiatives and will therefore "hit the ground running". He is well known and respected. I look forward to working with him to ensure the preparedness of the State.”

Chief Smith brings nearly thirty years of distinguished law enforcement service to the agency. He retired as the Police Chief from Westerly in 2002 to take the Chief of Police position in Narragansett. He left there in 2007 to be the Director of Public Safety and Transportation at Roger Williams University. He holds a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies-PH.D. Candidate, ABD from Salve Regina University, is a past president of the Police Chiefs Association, and a 1999 graduate of the FBI National Academy. He is expected to start on April 21,2008.

The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) is the state agency responsible for coordinating federal, state, and local resources to protect the public during disasters and emergencies. RIEMA helps develop plans for effective response to all hazards, trains emergency personnel, provides information to families and communities, and assists in recovery from disaster losses. You can learn more about RIEMA by visiting the RIEMA homepage at www.riema.ri.gov.

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