William Nebus Appointed New East Providence Police Chief by Mayor DaSilva

The City of East Providence has named William C. Nebus as Chief of the East Providence Police Department effective March 28, 2019. The City has released a press statement this afternoon:

"After a recommendation by a panel of law enforcement officials and interviewing five candidates, Mayor Roberto L. DaSilva has appointed William Nebus to the position of chief.

“William Nebus has had an exemplary 27 years serving the city’s police department with pride and professionalism,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “Nebus has served in various divisions and has accumulated the experience needed to be an effective leader.”

“The process enabled the panel and me to learn firsthand of the incredible talent pool of leaders at the East Providence PD,” DaSilva added.

“I am privileged to have been chosen to lead the East Providence Police Department,” Chief William Nebus said. “I have served this city for more than half of my life and I am honored to continue to do so.

“I have been fortunate to work for a diverse group of chiefs during my tenure and I hope to combine all of their strong points into one,” Nebus added. “I am lucky to start this job with such a strong, talented group of police officers, detectives, supervisors, dispatchers non-sworn personnel.”

Nebus, who served as Acting Chief since February 2019, has been a member of the East Providence Police Department since 1992 when he first joined the force as an officer. During those first few years, Nebus served in the patrol division, community policing unit, and served as one of the city’s first School Resource Officers (SROs).

Chief Nebus was then promoted to patrol sergeant in 2003. During his time as sergeant, Nebus served as the Special Reactions Team leader and Internal Affairs sergeant. He continued to rise through the ranks when, in 2008, Nebus was promoted to lieutenant. He served in that capacity for six years until he earned the rank of captain in 2014. That same year, Nebus was appointed Deputy Chief of Police where he worked closely with the city’s former police chief to oversee the department’s budget, state and federal grants and supervise internal investigations. He was promoted to chief, five years later.

In addition to his duties with the EPPD, Nebus serves as chairman of the East Providence Police and Fire Pension Board, is a member of the City of Cranston Investment Commission and serves as treasurer of the East Providence Police Beneficial Association.

Nebus earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Rhode Island. He is currently enrolled in a master’s degree program with a concentration in digital forensics at Salve Regina University.

The announcement of Nebus' selection came as a pleasant surprise to a group of East Providence High School and Martin and Riverside Middle School female students at the end of a program honoring International Women's History Month. The program hosted by Ward Two councilwoman Anna Sousa was held today at City Hall. Also in attendance was at-large city councilman Bob Rodericks, fire chief Oscar Elmasian, city clerk Samantha Burnett and others.

Nebus addressed the girls briefly and told them to "...take care of yourselves. Stay in school and do well, don't rely on a man for money, etc. Be your own person..." Nebus was in attendance at the presentation with other command staff from the police department. "I am also a father of a daughter," the new chief remarked.

"We will have a more formal swearing in ceremony later with your family and others," Mayor DaSilva told his new Chief of Police.