High-Ranking Cranston Officer Retires

Cranston Police Major Robert W. Ryan has put in paperwork with the city to retire.

Ryan, a longtime member of the department and the no. 2 ranking officer, was reportedly in the running for the vacant police chief's job, so his filing of pension papers last week was a surprise to some.

The City Council will review Ryan's request to be put on pension on Tuesday.

Ryan's retirement is effective May 19.

At the same time, the City Council will be discussing a measure that would compel the city to look outside the department for a new police chief. 

The resolution, sponsored by Councilmen Steve Stycos, Paul Archetto and President John E. Lanni Jr., calls for the next chief to not be an active member of the department.

"The next Chief of Police must heal divisions within the police department. . . and be an effective leader for all members of the Cranston Police Department," the resolution proclaims.

Previously, Cranston Mayor Allan W. Fung said he is not opposed to hiring from within, but with the State Police running the department in the wake of the so-called Ticketgate scandal, a police captain on paid leave, and a formerly suspended officer speaking out about allegedly hostile work environments, odds aren't in favor of an active member of the department receiving the top job.