Palombo Steps Down as Cranston Police Chief

Cranston Police Chief Marco Palombo Jr., has retired. 

Cranston Mayor Allan W. Fung announced the embattled police chief's retirement on Monday afternoon, stating Palombo was reinstated "for the sole purpose of receiving correspondence announcing his attention to retire as Cranston's Chief of Police, effective today."

Fung said "it was the right thing to do and I have accepted Col. Palombo's retirement letter."

In a statement, Fung said "it is time for new leadership in the Cranston Police Department" and announced an immediate search for a new chief.

State Police Capt. Kevin Barry will continue to lead the department until a new chief is selected. Barry was appointed chief after Fung asked the State Police to take over the department in the wake of the so-called ticket bltiz parking ticket scandal and other issues plaguing department morale.

Fung said the state police are still conducting an objective review of the police department.

This story will be updated.