Barrington Police Chief John LaCross is retiring.

The long-time law enforcement officer said he will step down from his post on Feb. 8, 2019. He has served as chief of police in Barrington for the last 17 years.

"Being the police chief of this vibrant and truly beautiful Town of Barrington since January 18, 2002 has been an incredible honor," Chief LaCross wrote in a letter announcing his retirement.

"It has been a time in my career where I have been fortunate enough to be able to serve in my greatest capacity as a public servant. I have been able to support individuals and their families when faced with adversity in ways I never imagined when this 'leg' of my journey first began.”

Chief LaCross began his work in the department when Barrington was struggling with underage drinking-related issues. The chief played a key role in the keg registration and Social Host bills at the Rhode Island Statehouse. He also formulated the first underage drinking enforcement policy in the state.

His efforts, with the cooperation of the local substance abuse task force and others, yielded positive results: Since 2007, Barrington has not had any drunk driving fatalities among local teenagers, and underage drinking violations have decreased by 85 percent in the last 10 years.

Barrington Town Manager Jim Cunha praised Chief LaCross in a press release he issued late Tuesday afternoon, Dec. 18.

"Clearly, Barrington is a safer place to live thanks to the professionalism and dedicated service of Chief John LaCross," stated Mr. Cunha. "His legacy of compassion, professionalism and service will be long remembered in our community and the State of Rhode Island’s Law Enforcement Community."

Chief LaCross served as a Rhode Island State Trooper for 25 years before beginning his work as Barrington's top police officer.

During his tenure in Barrington, records show that assaults have dropped by 40 percent, house break-ins have dropped by 25 percent, larcenies are down nearly 50 percent and vandalism has dropped by 55 percent. From 2008 to 2018, the uniform crime reports indicate an 18 percent drop in crime. The chief is also particularly proud of the fact that there have been no pedestrian fatalities in Barrington in the past 58 years.

Chief LaCross has said he is also proud of the relationship his department and its officers have fostered with members of the community over the past 17 years.

He has written more than 88 personal letters and countless e-mails to Barrington residents thanking them for praising the “Professionalism, Respect and Caring” displayed by his officers and dispatchers. He has also issued more than 75 commendations and letters of recognition to Barrington police officers for their outstanding work ethic while serving the community.