GLOCESTER – After more than four decades in law enforcement, it seems the man leading the Glocester Police Department for the past 16 years is ready to call it quits
Glocester Police Chief Jospeh DelPrete is expected to officially submit a letter of resignation to the town in the coming weeks.
Members of the Glocester Town Council discussed the process that will be used to replace him at their meeting on Thursday, Feb. 19.
“I would be in favor of having a panel similar to what we had. That seemed to work well. We had a chief for a long time, so we made the right decision,” said Councilor Walter Steere, who was part of the committee that hired DelPrete years ago.
A Foster resident, Delprete received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Roger Williams University and a master’s in administration from Salve Regina University. He served for 25 years with the Rhode Island State Police, rising to the rank of lieutenant.
DelPrete was appointed chief in Glocester in 2010 to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of former Chief Jamie Hainsworth.
During his time in Glocester, DelPrete has led a department of 18 officers, and has served in leadership for the New England State Police Information Network and Rhode Island Police Accreditation Commission. He has overseen the department’s efforts in maintaining high standards through state accreditation and the implementation of modern policies like the body worn camera program.
And under his leadership, Glocester has frequently been ranked as the safest municipality in Rhode Island.
“As we look at the data for 2025 and heading into 2026, Glocester continues to rank as one of the safest communities of its size, not just in Rhode Island, but in the country,” noted Gregory Coupe in a post on Long Realty.
Burrillville Police Chief Col. Stephen Lynch noted that he has known the neighboring chief since 1987, when DelPrete joined the state police just one year after him.
“He was an outstanding, hard working state trooper and detective,” he said.
Lynch would later follow a similar path into northern Rhode Island, joining Burrillville in 2013 – after DelPrete was already in place next door.
“The collaboration between his department and ours is truly outstanding,” Lynch said. “We have covered each other’s calls when needed and backed up each others officers on so many occasions and at times of immediate need.”
“Chief Delprete has such a sincere appreciation for the work that his men and women do in Glocester and is really about wanting to see his members successful and safe,” Lynch added. “He’s a very kind hearted guy, a tenacious investigator, and a proven leader. I am very fortunate to call him my friend. I will miss him.”
“He is an outstanding police chief – always trying to do the best for the members of his department and the people in the town of Glocester,” Lynch said.
The 64-year-old also apparently hasn’t taken much time off during his time in Glocester. Last week, members of the Town Council authorized a retirement compensation package of at least $40,000 to cover accrued unpaid vacation and sick leave – under the condition that DelPrete use at least 3 weeks, or 120 hours, prior to his retirement.
Last week, they noted, the chief was finally on vacation and expected to submit his resignation on his return.
“He’ll be doing that when he comes back,” said Council President William Worthy.
DelPrete, who with wife Gayle DelPrete has four adult children, could be part of the process in choosing his replacement. Councilors are expected to take up the issue of creating a subcommittee to screen candidates at their next meeting on Thursday, March 5.
