Public safety complex auditorium dedicated to Col. Hugh Clements

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Mayor Smiley, Colonel Oscar Perez, Jr., and City Council President Rachel Miller will join members of the police department and its community to celebrate the legacy of retired Chief Police, Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Jr., for a dedication ceremony of the Providence Public Safety Complex Auditorium on Friday morning.

Col. Clements served the City of Providence for nearly 40 years before retiring in Jan. of 2023, to join the Department of Justice as the Director of the Office Community Oriented Policing Services.

Mayor Brett P. Smiley released the following statement showing his gratitude:

“Colonel Clements displayed unparalleled commitment to the Providence Police Department and the City of Providence for nearly four decades. Hugh’s dedication, leadership and integrity exemplify the core pillars of the Providence Police Department. The impact he had on this department will continue to live on through the women and men who serve our city each day.”

Council President Rachel Miller shared:

“Chief Clements is a selfless leader who represented our city and police department with respect and dignity for 37 years. Hugh never strayed far from his roots as a patrol officer, where each shift starts in the public safety auditorium for roll call and a briefing of what officers could expect that day or night. It’s fitting the City Council overwhelmingly passed a resolution naming the auditorium after Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Jr. I hope current and future officers draw inspiration from this name and the remarkable example of excellence Chief Clements has set.”

Col. Oscar Perez said:

“Hugh served with excellence and embodied the true meaning of the words Providence’s Finest. Under his leadership, his commitment to building trust within the community was unwavering and, through his efforts, relationships were established, and initiatives were created to bridge the gap between cops and citizens they serve. It was an honor to work alongside Colonel Clements for a number of years and there is no one is more deserving to receive this distinguished recognition.”

“I am truly humbled and enormously grateful for this recognition.  This was more than a job – it was an honor to serve the people of Providence,” said Col. Clements. “But no one person can do this work alone; and this is a testament to the partnerships we had and the tremendous work we accomplished together.”

The colonel began his journey as a night patrol officer for PPD in 1985.

Over the next 26 years, he worked in both the Special Investigations and Detective Bureaus, then later served as a Deputy Chief where he was appointed Acting Chief of Police in 2011.

In the following year, he was appointed as the 37th Chief of the Department and promoted to the rank of Colonel.