Chief George J. Coffey
1968 – 1976
February 28, 2009 – It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Chief George J. Coffey of Norwood Ave., Cranston who passed away with his family at his side. Chief Coffey was a graduate of Cranston High School and appointed as a Cranston Police Constable on January 1, 1943. The following year, officer Coffey was appointed as a permanent officer and his first assignment was walking a beat in the Edgewood area. He was then moved to the Motorcycle Squad in 1949, then up the ladder to Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, (Capt. on Aug. 28, 1961.), and appointed Chief of Police in 1968. Upon his retirement in 1977 after 34 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Cranston, Chief Coffey joined the RI Capital Police in 1982 and retired on August 31, 2001.Also active in the community, Chief Coffey was a former Vice-President of the New England Chiefs of Police, a member of the Cranston Fraternal Order of Police, the Cranston Police Department’s Retiree Association, Cranston Rotary, Knights of Columbus, St. Paul’s Council No.2385 and was a communicant at St. Paul’s Church since Boyhood. Born in Providence to the late James J. and Sarah (Slavin) Coffey, he is survived by his loving wife Sophie (Mojkowski) of 58 years and his children Dennis, Judy, Brian, Kevin, and Deborah.
Rest in peace Chief. You will never be forgotten.