After almost 40 years in Providence, Clements to take final walk

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Providence Police Department is honoring Col. Hugh Clements Friday afternoon after he decided to leave Providence Public Safety after almost 40 years.

A ceremonial walkout is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. at the Providence Public Safety Complex.

Last month, as Brett Smiley prepared to take over as mayor of Providence, he said he asked Clements to stay on but the police chief made the “difficult decision to leave city service to pursue an exciting opportunity before him.”

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland announced on Jan. 19 that Clements would serve as the new director of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services — COPS Office.

Providence is still in the process of searching for their new police chief.

Clements will keep supporting the Providence Police Department with the transition and advise the mayor on the appointment of the police chief.