EAST PROVIDENCE -— City resident Angel “AJ” Lewis, a 9-year-old, fourth-grade student at Waddington Elementary School, was recently sworn in as the East Providence Police Department’s “Chief for the Day.”

Lewis, with his parents Lisa and David Sheldon by his side, was sworn in on Thursday, Feb. 23, by Mayor Bob DaSilva and EPPD Chief Chris Francesconi.

“I have no doubt that Angel will be a top-notch chief today,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “I hope today’s experience with members of our police department leaves him with aspirations to join the EPPD someday – after all, we are currently recruiting.”

Traditionally, a family member is asked to pin the badge on the chief during their swearing in ceremony and it was no different as mom Lisa did the honors for Lewis last week.

Lewis was able to be “Chief for the Day” after his parents won a silent auction bid during a “Brewery Night” fundraiser at Narragansett Brewery last July held by the East Providence Jr. Townies football organization.

“East Providence Jr. Townies are grateful to the East Providence community and especially the East Providence Police Department for their constant support of all youth sports,” said Donna Hassell-Winter, Jr. Townies president and founding member.

After being sworn in, Lewis held his very first staff meeting where he met members of his command staff, toured the EPPD headquarters on Waterman Avenue, saw K9 “Okki” in action, spent time with the Bureau of Criminal Identification Detectives as well as members of the Special Reaction Team among other duties.

“It was a pleasure to host Chief A.J. today,” East Providence Police Chief Christopher Francesconi said. “The Chief for the Day asked some great questions and I hope today is a day he remembers for a long time...Special thanks to the East Providence Junior Townies for making this happen.”