Providence police salute Col. Clements as he departs for federal post in Washington
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — Providence's police chief of the past decade says goodbye as he heads to Washington for a new job.
Officers gathered outside the Providence Public Safety Complex on Friday afternoon for a ceremonial sendoff for Col. Hugh Clements.
Clements had been chief for more than 11 years, after joining the force in 1985 and rising through the ranks.
His departure was announced last month.
Clements is starting his new job as head of the U.S. Justice Department's community policing division on Monday.
"It's hard walking away. And I'm telling you, but for this opportunity, I have another five good years left in me. I was torn. It's totally bittersweet. This is such a tremendous opportunity," Clements told NBC 10 News on Friday during a taping of "10 News Conference."
Clements and new Mayor Brett Smiley have both said he was asked to remain as chief.
Clements said he was first approached about the federal job nearly a year ago after speaking at a mayor's conference.
"It's really an awesome responsibility, an opportunity to make a profound impact on a national basis," he said.
Clements said his record of success in Providence helped land the job.
He said he's leaving the department and the city in good shape.
"Crime is down. Violent crime, major crime, the lowest numbers on major categories since before 1990, on homicides and shootings since before 1972. We haven't seen numbers this low in the last 50 years. It's incredible. It's just a holistic approach that we have. It's really good work. We took a lot of firearms off the street last year," he told NBC10.
"We have our issues, with ATVs, guns, violent crime, gang activity. Providence is a safe city," Clements added.
He's seen a lot through the years.
"Worst day on the job, there were four of them, when Providence police officers were killed in the line of duty in my era. Steve Shaw, Cornel Young, Jimmy Allen, Max Dorley. Max Dorley when I was the chief. That was the worst day," he said.
"Best day is all of our celebrations in the community. I can't tell you how many friends I've made in this community of Providence. I have so many. The response to me has been overwhelming. I'll miss that," Clements said.
Deputy Chief Oscar Perez, who was promoted to that rank in November, is now the acting chief as Smiley continues the search to fill the job.
Smiley is holding a public forum on Feb. 8.