Glocester honors Police Chief Joseph Del Prie as he retires after 16 years

The Glocester Town Council honored Police Chief Joseph Del Prie on May 7 with a formal citation recognizing his 16 years of service and leadership of the Gloucester Police Department. Council members and department colleagues praised Del Prie’s focus on professionalism, training and community engagement, and noted the department’s third reaccreditation in March 2026.

The council read Citation 2026-03, which thanked Del Prie for achievements including maintaining compliance with more than 200 professional standards and introducing programs such as the Code Red emergency-notification system. “You have continuously led by operating and teaching with the use of cutting edge technology and training,” the citation read.

Officers and local officials who spoke at the council meeting described Del Prie as a mentor and credited him with improving investigations and community policing. One captain said Del Prie entrusted officers with responsibilities that allowed them to grow into leadership roles. Residents in the audience and colleagues noted his presence at community events such as Memorial Day and Fourth of July observances.

Del Prie, who addressed the council, reflected on his law-enforcement career and thanked staff, family and the community for their support. “It’s been a great run,” he said, noting his confidence in the department’s future and in the people who will continue its work.

The council presented the citation and committed to delivering a signed copy to Del Prie; members also discussed the immediate next administrative steps for leadership transition during the meeting. No formal personnel action to appoint a successor was taken during the citation ceremony, which concluded with applause from the council and attendees.