Class of 2017
John Desmarais has enjoyed a successful career in law enforcement for more than three decades.
John was born and raised in Central Falls, R.I. and began his career as a patrolman with the Central Falls Police Department in 1982. He rose through the ranks over the years to Sergeant, Lieutenant and Captain. He served 12 years in the detective division. He later became Administrative Captain, responsible for policies and procedures, meeting the guidelines set by the Commission for Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies. He was later reassigned as Operations Captain where he was involved in the day-to-day operations of the police department and uniform patrol command.
In 2004, John was promoted to Deputy Chief. He served in that capacity until he retired in 2006 and accepted the position of Chief of Police in Cumberland.
Chief Desmarais has served as president of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association and the New England Chiefs of Police Association.
He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Roger Williams University and a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from Anna Maria College and hold a Certificate in Labor Management Relations from Providence College. He is also a graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy and the FBI’s Law Enforcement Executive Development School.
