October 2, 2026
City Promotes Several Police, including New Leadership
First Woman Captain in EP - Maari Beltrami Stainer
Nineteen members of the East Providence Police Department received promotions and commendations in a January 27th ceremony held at East Providence High School. The ceremony was headlined by the official appointments of Chief and Deputy Chief, Michael Rapoza and Andy Benoit to the department respectively. A bagpiper led the way as the newly promoted East Providence Police officers entered the East Providence High School auditorium. The crowd was packed with family and friends, retired and current fellow officers. All 19 officers, a permanent Chief, a Deputy Chief, three Captains, four Lieutenants, six Sergeants and four Detectives, stood on stage Tuesday night. They each took an oath and stood at attention as loved ones pinned their badges on their uniforms. They each took an oath and stood at attention as loved ones pinned their badges on their uniforms.
The East Providence Police Department held its long overdue Promotional Ceremony. Many of the officers have been serving in their new roles for some time, and the ceremony provided an opportunity to formally recognize their leadership and service.
“They say a police department reflects the community it serves,” said Chief Michael J. Rapoza, who following Tuesday’s ceremony can finally drop the “Acting” before his title. “Tonight, as I look around this room filled with dedicated officers from this agency and beyond proud families, city leaders and those who built this department before us, I am reminded just how strong the City of East Providence truly is. Thank you all for being here tonight to share in this important moment for the East Providence Police Department. I am truly honored and humbled to stand before you as the new Chief of Police.” Chief Rapoza thanked East Providence Mayor Roberto DaSilva “for his confidence, trust, and support. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this community in this role and I look forward to continuing to work together in the best interests of the City of East Providence,” said Chief Rapoza.
“Tonight is about leadership, commitment, and the future of this department. I want to congratulate all of the officers being promoted this evening. Promotion to a supervisory rank is not just a recognition of past performance, it is a commitment to lead, to mentor, and to set the standard for those who will follow. You are our future leaders, and the expectations are high because the potential is even higher,” said Mayor Bob DaSilva. "Today we prepare to swear in some incredibly talented people, and these are the people who will continue to be leading this department decades into the future. We've got a young group of people here who are being promoted to Detective, we've got people who are being promoted to Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Chief and Deputy Chief. We are blessed that we were able to promote from within. It was not a difficult choice, when the opening became available, to find Chief Rapoza and Deputy Chief Benoit," added DaSilva.
“On behalf of the City Council, I send our enthusiastic support to the members of the police department,” council president Bob Rodericks said in a statement. “Unfortunately, the council could not attend the ceremony, as we always have, because of our council meeting at the same time. The council strongly supports this police department and the promotions made therein.”
PROMOTIONS:
“I’m just glad he gets to drop that “Acting” from his Chief title,” DaSilva told the assembled audience. “Congratulations Chief Mike Rapoza. “It is my honor to administer the oath of office to Chief Rapoza and Deputy Chief Andy Benoit as well as the captains, lieutenants, sergeants and detectives of the East Providence police department,” he said.
Rapoza began his police career with the Swansea Police Department and was hired by East Providence in 2005. Rapoza served in many capacities including, drug recognition expert, a field training officer and a firearms instructor. While in the vice unit, Rapoza served as an undercover officer for the DEA among other investigative regional efforts.
Rapoza was named Acting Police Chief following the retirement of Christopher Francesconi in March of 2025, while Andy Benoit was named Acting Deputy Chief with the retirement of then Deputy Chief, Barry Ramer.
City & State Slammed with Snowstorm
East Providence received anywhere from 16 to 18 inches of snowfall late last month, with drifts amounting to over 20 inches in some places. Schools were closed with students taking part in virtual learning as was done during the pandemic. The bulk of the storm fell on Sunday, January 25th which was also playoff day for the New England Patriots. Many pubs and restaurants as well as Patriot’s house parties were canceled due to the snow and the city parking ban.
The deep, but fluffy-light snow, made curb-to-curb plowing difficult. “People may not realize it but the light snow blows around and falls back after plowing,” said East Providence DPW Director, Dan Borges. “The City Public Works did a remarkable job dealing with close to 18 inches of fast falling snow Sunday into Monday, followed by an additional 2-3 inches of snow overnight,” said Mayor Bob DaSilva. Plowing involves moving snow from travel lanes to the sides of roads and when you have that much snow to move it can be a challenge. The snow needs to go somewhere. Unfortunately, the additional 2-3 inches of snow added a layer of fresh snow on the already plowed streets. We had crews in to widen roads and open the sidewalk on Pawtucket Ave and around the High School. They continued widening roads and clearing public parking lots. Unfortunately, when we widen roads on occasion some of that snow gets pushed into already cleared driveways.”
Mayor DaSilva said that he wasn’t aware of any violations being issued to property owners for sidewalk issues or shoveling snow into the streets from driveways. “I want to note that I drove around surrounding communities, and I must say our DPW did a fantastic job with this snow. I’m proud of their dedication. Thank you for your patience and know that we are already prepping for the next storm,” said Mayor DaSilva.
City Opened Warming Shelter:
The city, with the assistance of full-time, part-time employees and volunteers, also opened a temporary extreme weather overnight warming shelter, starting Wednesday, January 21st, through Sunday, January 25th pending both forecasts and volunteer availability. The shelter is located at the Robert E. Rock Senior Center at 610 Waterman Ave. and was open from 7 PM to 7 AM, giving unhoused residents of the city, as well as those without heat an opportunity to take shelter and stay warm.
“In these frigid conditions, the administration is committed to ensuring our residents have a warm and safe place to go,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “Therefore, we have decided to open a warming shelter at the Senior Center to provide care and comfort to those in our community in most need.” Members of the East Providence police was present at the shelter.
For those seeking warmth throughout the day, the East Providence Senior Center will be available during normal hours of operation, as well as the Weaver Library, located at 41 Grove Ave., and the Riverside Library, located at 475 Bullocks Point Ave.
Local Police Join in Major Drug Arrest
The United States Attorney’s office released a statement in which they announced a Providence resident was arrested for trafficking kilos of cocaine. United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda said that Eluid Rosa-Escudero, 35, was sentenced on January 21, 2026, by U.S. District Court Judge Mary S. McElroy to 24 months of incarceration followed by three years of supervised release. Rosa-Escudero pleaded guilty on September 10, 2025, to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Law enforcement intercepted a package containing the cocaine, which was removed from the package. Police then surveilled the retrieval of the same package (with the cocaine removed) delivered by the U.S. Postal Service to the front porch of a Providence residence. The package was retrieved by an individual who arrived by car and later drove to a nearby gas station, where the driver met with Rosa-Escudero, who was travelling in a separate vehicle. As the two vehicles departed, a law enforcement surveillance team followed Rosa-Escudero to his residence. East Providence Police subsequently conducted an investigative stop of the vehicle driven by the individual who retrieved the package from the porch of the residence, who was identified as a 15-year-old juvenile.
The matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service Contraband Interdiction and Investigations Task Force, with the assistance of the Providence, East Providence and Pawtucket Police Departments, and the Rhode Island State Police.
Richard Silva of EPHS nominated for National “LifeChanger” Award
National Life Group's LifeChanger of the Year is an annual program recognizing K-12 educators and school employees nationwide. “Our program celebrates those making a significant difference in students' lives by exemplifying excellence, positive influence, and leadership,” writes program organizers. Richard Silva of East Providence was one of three Rhode Island educators nominated for the annual award according to the agency.
The nomination outline for Silva:
“For the past 39 years, Mr. Silva has quietly and selflessly devoted his life to education and student success, both as a classroom educator and, more recently, as a beloved school counselor at East Providence High School. Mr. Silva is a man of quiet strength and an unassuming nature, with a deep, intrinsic drive to improve school climate and foster a culture of inclusion, kindness, and recognition. "Richard is the heart of our school," said assistant principal Jill Usenia as part of the nomination summary.
“That sentiment is echoed by the thousands of students, colleagues, and community members whose lives he has touched over nearly four decades. Throughout his career, Mr. Silva has served in countless capacities, supporting students academically, emotionally, and socially. He has been a long-time advisor to both the Student Council and National Honor Society, mentoring young leaders and supervising numerous community-based service projects. These efforts have raised awareness and funds for a wide range of causes, teaching students the importance of giving back and leading with empathy.”
“One of his signature talents is his creativity. Every Wednesday, during the school's intervention block, he creates and shares an engaging trivia quiz for students, often themed with fun facts about staff members. The quiz has become a highly anticipated tradition, with winners receiving thoughtful prize packages, usually paid for by Mr. Silva himself. This simple but powerful act has become a cherished connection point between students and staff, reinforcing a sense of community.”
“As a school counselor, he works tirelessly to ensure every student feels valued and supported. He has elevated the Student of the Month program by introducing celebratory luncheons that recognize honorees and their guests for their achievements. His commitment to honoring others doesn't stop with students; he has established numerous awards to recognize teachers and administrators. He also organizes annual appreciation events such as Coffee with a Cop for the school resource officers and weeklong celebrations for the principal, assistant principals, and CTE director.”
Beyond the school walls, Mr. Silva's impact stretches into the broader educational community. He has served on both the New England and National Advisory Boards for the College Board. One of his most meaningful accomplishments came when he collaborated with then-State Representative (now Secretary of State) Greg Amore to advocate for free AP (Advanced Placement) testing for Rhode Island students receiving free or reduced lunch. Thanks to his vision and persistence, this initiative became a reality, removing barriers to college readiness for countless students across the state.
His compassion and generosity extend deeply into his personal actions. He has quietly covered the cost of caps and gowns, prom tickets, and yearbooks for students in need—gestures many former students still return to thank him for. He has led food, clothing, and toy drives for families in need during the holidays. Most recently, he worked with students to organize a tribute to honor veterans, including the installation of a permanent plaque in the school's foyer dedicated to alumni who have served in the military.
"Ironically, while Mr. Silva has spent his entire career ensuring others feel recognized and celebrated, he has never truly received the honor he deserves. His legacy will not only be one of service, but of kindness, humility, and profound impact. He has quite literally changed lives, and he continues to do so every day. Richard Silva is, without question, a LifeChanger. No one is more deserving of this honor," said the nominator.
“Thank you for this great recognition and honor! It has been a privilege and I am thankful every day for having the opportunity to live out my dream job for the last 39 years. Kindness goes a long way,” replied Silva.
Library Receives Equity Action Fund Grant for LGBTQ+ Residents
The East Providence Library is one of 14 organizations serving LGBTQ+ residents that will share $87,000 in grants through the Equity Action Fund at the Rhode Island Foundation. The funding will underwrite free teen and adult programs that combine education, artistry and social awareness in partnership with Haus of Glitter and Youth Pride Inc.
“Our city is deeply committed to fostering inclusion, cultural understanding and civic engagement through innovative programming for teens and adults at the library,” said Library Director Meredith Bonds-Harmon.
Possible events include Afro-Latinx Dance: An Embodied History, which explores the intersections of culture and movement; History of Drag Performance 101, an introduction to the artistry and activism embedded in drag; and Bystander Intervention Training, which equips participants with practical tools to promote safety and allyship.
“By centering LGBTQ+ voices, histories and lived experiences, these programs create a safe, welcoming environment for learning, dialogue and celebration,” said Bonds-Harmon. “Together, they strengthen the city’s reputation for equity, education and community building, ensuring that all individuals feel seen, valued and empowered.”
In addition, the funding will support organizations engaged in efforts ranging from civil rights advocacy for families and youth to housing and improving the delivery of health care.
“The Foundation has offered uninterrupted grant support to organizations on the front lines of housing, health, advocacy and youth services for more than 20 years. By supporting this work, we help ensure the services that most Rhode Islanders take for granted are available to all regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation,” said David N. Cicilline, the Foundation’s president and CEO.
Guided by a volunteer advisory committee comprised of leaders in the LGBTQ+ communities, the Equity Action Fund supports projects that meet the needs of LGBTQ+ Rhode Islanders across the state. Over the years, the fund has made more than $1.4 million in grants to dozens of organizations working on behalf of Rhode Island’s LGBTQ+ communities.
City Council to Conduct Security Assessment of City Hall
At its January 27th city council meeting, Council President Bob Rodericks announced that he will appoint a task force to review security measures at City Hall. “I have been concerned for some time that our City Hall is not as secure as it should be. In light of the tragedy at Brown University and other incidents across the state and nation, I think we need to review our security situation,” Rodericks indicated. The council will ask for recommendations to improve security at the three story building housing government departments. “Our employees and the public at large need to be protected as best as possible. There are no fool-proof methods, but we can review.”
Weaver Library Copper Beech Tree Honor
The Department of Planning and Economic Development, East Providence Public Library, Mayor DaSilva, and the East Providence Tree Commission, in partnership with the East Providence Arts Council, invite sculptors, artists and artisans to submit proposals for the design and transformation of the remaining stump and trunk of the iconic, historic Copper Beech Tree on the Weaver Library lawn. The goal is to honor this majestic tree with a sculpture that makes the library lawn a destination for all ages.
In 2021, the Weaver Copper Beech tree was recognized as one of the biggest trees of its kind on the Rhode Island Tree Council’s Helen Walker Raleigh Champion Tree registry. To extend the tree’s life for as long as possible, the city had tried to preserve the tree in hopes that it could survive. An expert professional arborist treated it last summer and it has received annual soil aeration, antifungal bark spray and has a custom-built fence around it.
The iconic tree cannot survive and is in danger of falling, putting people at risk. Therefore, the city is seeking to memorialize the remaining trunk and allow people to enjoy the grounds more, where often times summer concerts are held.
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