No ‘thank you’ for chief’s years of service on ethics commission

Barrington Police Chief John LaCross learned last week while reading the Providence Journal that his services were no longer needed on the Rhode Island Ethics Commission.

The longtime law enforcement officer had served on the commission for nearly four years, and was surprised to discover that the governor’s officer had shared the information with the Journal before notifying him of the change.

“I don’t expect the governor to call me,” he said. “I just expect someone in her office to give me a heads-up.”

Newly elected Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo filled two positions on the commission — Chief LaCross’s seat and Edward Magro’s seat — with Sister Therese Antone and Dr. Tim Murphy.

Chief LaCross said he enjoyed his time on the commission, adding that the board meets at least 22 times each year. He said it also would have been nice if the governor or someone in her office had acknowledged his service to the state.

“There was not even a thank-you,” he said. “I was very disappointed.”

Chief LaCross said serving on the commission meant less time with his family and more time away from his “duties and responsibilities as the chief in Barrington.”

The chief said someone from the governor’s office called his department at 4:35 p.m. on Friday afternoon, after the story had already been published.