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February 10, 2006

Former Providence police commissioner Partington dies at 77

PAWTUCKET - John J. Partington, who forged a distinguished career in Rhode Island law enforcement as Providence police commissioner, U.S. marshal and police chief in his home town of Cumberland, died today at Memorial Hospital. He was 77.

Partington was appointed public safety commissioner in Providence by then-Mayor Joseph R. Paolino Jr. in 1989 and served until 2004. He was Cumberland police chief from 1980 to 1989 and served in the U.S. Marshal's Service from 1962 to 1980.

During his tenure with the marshal's service, Partington was instrumental in formation of the federal Witness Protection Program. As Providence police commissioner, Partington was a proponent of community policing.

He was the husband of the late Helen M. (Doubille) Partington. A native of Cumberland, he was born in Valley Falls section.

A funeral with military honors will be held Tuesday with a Mass of Christian burial in the Cathedral of SS Peter and Paul. Burial will follow in Resurrection Cemetery, Cumberland. There are no calling hours.

-- Journal staff writer Scott MacKay

Posted by Jack Perry  at 4:38 PM | Permalink