Barrington Police Chief John LaCross announced his retirement earlier this week, and is sharing a special letter with Barrington residents. 

In his letter, the chief details the challenges he faced in his position as well as the successes he and the department celebrated over the years. He also shares information about what he plans to do in the future.

Following is Chief LaCross's full letter to the residents of Barrington:

"It is with deep reverence and gratitude I write this letter to give notice of my retirement as the Chief of Police in February 2019. 

"Being the police chief of the vibrant and truly beautiful town of Barrington for the past 17 years has been beyond a tremendous honor. It’s been a time in my career I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to serve in my greatest capacity, to help others. I’ve been able to support individuals and families in ways I never imagined when this leg of my journey began.

"As we know, “The best way to find yourself, is to lose yourself in the service of others,” a quote by Gandhi which I added as a signature line to my work e-mail several years ago. What we give to life is usually returned to us many times over. Please know as each act of service was performed, even when brutally difficult, the lives of my family and myself were strengthened beyond measure. I realize that while the responsibilities placed into my hands were great, they have provided me opportunities most people are never afforded.   

"The town I stepped into as police chief in January of 2002, was a very different place from what it is today, a caring community of collective responsibility.  

"Seventeen years ago, the culture centered around embracing a “rite of passage” attitude of parties and underage drinking. In the first 5 years of my tenure, our town lost six teenagers and/or young adults to alcohol-related crashes. A deep grief enveloped our community and it was clear these tragedies had to be curtailed. 

"Thanks to a solid collaboration with Ms. Kathy Sullivan of the Barrington Adult Youth (BAY) Team, we created and implemented a first of its kind underage drinking policy for the police department which was eventually shared with dozens other law enforcement agencies throughout R.I. cities and Mass. It included an opportunity for parents and teens to communicate through candid letter writing and making vows to each other about trust and responsibility. It also led to the creation of the Prevention Tip Line, which, I’m confident, helped save lives.  In fact, between 2007 and today, I’m overwhelmed to report that in the last 11 years, the Town of Barrington experienced zero drunk driving fatalities among our teens and with only one adult tragedy. There has also been zero pedestrian fatalities in our community for a national record of 58 years, a credit to the visible of the traffic enforcement efforts by the men and women of this department.

"The sudden loss of life creates a lasting ripple effect and so does taking on the challenge of remedying an ill system. The work we took on in Barrington also brought us an award and to be recognized by the National Law Enforcement and Prevention Conference in 2006 as well as to Orlando, Fla. in 2007 when we addressed the National Enforcing Underage Drinking Conference. 

"While there’s still a lot of work that consistently must be done, I’m proud to say that I see other lasting changes including powerful literature and prevention policies being shared within the schools, in doctor’s offices, and elsewhere.  

"The hard worked with the BAY Team, PTOs, and Ms. Gaby Abbate, former director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving who helped to shape legislation of the first Social Host and Keg Registration laws at the state level drafted by the hard work of our dear late Senator David Bates.

"While I’ve been involved in much of this, I have always encouraged “Community Responsibility” and the people of Barrington have heeded the call. 

"Individuals are always stronger with the help of caring constituents who, I must say, permeate throughout our community. I must recognize the hard work of two sisters who help turn around the dangerous ritual of underage drinking parties following senior prom. In 2003, Linda Johnson and Joanne Legro started the first After Prom event at the high school that kept students safe with fun activities throughout the evening. 

"Seventeen years later, the After Prom has been adopted in many schools in Rhode Island and is still going strong.  

"A special thanks to Mr. Dan Converse for his heartfelt speeches to the thousands of teenagers in Barrington and RI about the “Ripple Effect” of losing his son to underage drinking. No doubt many lives have been saved by his powerful and compassionate words.   

"Most importantly, thank you to the many people not mentioned for working for the common welfare of our community and their families, even when we disagreed on how to attain the greatest results. A special thanks to the leadership of Superintendent Mike Messore who agreed to allow the first ever School Resource Officer (SRO), something I tried to implement in the school district since 2005. And to Principal Joe Hurley for having breathalyzers at high school dances.

"We’ve done well.

"One of the greatest changes I’ve seen centers at the heart of our police department. As our men and women in uniform enforce the state laws and town’s ordinances, I also witnessed (and feel) a greater compassion to our residents that wasn’t there when I first came onboard. These are skills that take time to understand and cultivate and they’re imperative to have to gain the trust of our community. 

"Our force knows life is not easy for everyone and I see them treating each of our citizens with respect and dignity. They also treat each other in this manner which is why I’m often in awe of the law enforcement and civilian personnel who make up our department.

"As I prepare to wrap up this letter, I must say it is time for me to move into the next phase of my life, as I call the 3rd Act. After 17 years, I feel quite accomplished with the work I’ve done in the town of Barrington added to the 23 years with the State Police and charged with the motto, “In the Service of the State”, it’s time for a new passion to unfold.

"I’m being called to take some of what I learned as a law enforcement officer for 40 years and combine it with my other passions and purpose to create a business that continues to serve people even greater.  This business will include the life enhancing work of reiki energy, mindfulness, stress reduction and helping people through the perils and the stages of grief.  

"So, a heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who’s been part of this incredible 17-year journey. I can’t begin to thank individuals as I know I’ll miss someone quite important as I do. Through the “very high” ups and “very low” downs, I arrive at this juncture knowing how truly blessed I am. Without with my dear wife, two daughters and family, I never would have been able to get to this point. Being human, I take this next step with some trepidation, but I know and am certain that it is the right thing to do. 

"Godspeed, citizens of Barrington, R.I. I remain a resident of our town because I wouldn’t want to live life anyplace else. Please know I hope to continue to enjoy your friendship and the exciting future together."

Chief John LaCross

Barrington Police Department