As part of its regularly scheduled meeting for the month, April 8, the town council, led by Vice President Keri Cronin, along with Warren Police Department Chief Roy Borges, oversaw a promotion/swearing-in ceremony for a handful of officers.

WPD Lieutenant Christopher Perrault served as the event's master of ceremonies, introducing each of his fellow officers noted during the evening. Cronin confirmed the new status of each officer. She did so in the stead of Council President Joseph DePasquale, who was absent from the proceedings while recovering from injuries suffered during a recent accidental fire.

Those recognized included Marc Ferreira, promoted to the rank of lieutenant, Aires Medeiros, advanced to sergeant, and Austin Carreiro, elevated to detective. In addition, Patrolman Sean Foley and Probationary Patrolwoman Allie Schoenfeldt took their oaths of duty.

To all in attendance — family, friends and officials — Perrault said, "Thank you for your support...Without that support, we wouldn't be able to do what we do."

Lt. Ferreira
Ferreira, a native of Warren and a Mt. Hope High School graduate, raised to the rank of sergeant while serving in the United States Army. He served three tours of overseas duty before honorable retirement.

He joined the WPD in 2002, serving as a patrol officer until 2018 when he was promoted to sergeant. Then, until just recently, he was the department's midnight shift supervisor.

Perrault, noting it is a shift that frequently includes newly hired officers, said, "In this role, Lt. Ferreria played a key part in mentoring and training the department's newest members, helping to shape the next generation of officers."

In addition, Ferreira has been a WPD field training coordinator, honor guard liaison, rifle team member, active shooter instructor and office of highway safety coordinator for the department. His new duties include command of the patrol division as the nighttime lieutenant.

Perreault concluded, Ferreira "is a dedicated and valuable member of the Warren Police Department."

Sgt. Medeiros
Perrault called Medeiros, also of a graduate from MHHS in the Class of 2002, "a dedicated law enforcement officer."

He attended Roger Williams University, where he pursued a degree in criminal justice. Medeiros, after graduating the Rhode Island Police Academy, began his public safety career in 2005 as a member of the Coventry Police Department. Medeiros was a decorated officer for CPD over 16 years, including being named the Rhode Island Community Police Officer of the Year in 2018, before transferring to Warren in December 2021. 


Said Perrault, "(Medeiros) is deeply committed to professional development and training, maintaining his Rhode Island police officer standards in training post-certification as an instructor for the police academy."

For the WPD, Medeiros is the use of force, CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation) and taser instructor, serves as a field training officer and as a member of the department's motorcycle unit.

Perrault added, "Sergeant Medeiros remains passionate about community service, training and supporting his colleagues, exemplifying the values of integrity, professionalism and compassion throughout his career."

Det. Carreiro
Carreiro is another MHHS grad as part of the Class of 2012. He, too, graduated from RWU, he with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and minor in Psychology.

Carreiro joined the WPD in 2018. His promotion to detective took place in December of last year. His new duties now include crime scene investigations, assisting with the development and prosecution of cases as well as following up with the victims and witnesses.

"We wish him luck in his new position," Perrault said of the new detective.

Patrolman Foley
Foley is a 2014 graduate of Merrimack College in North Andover, Mass. He was hired by the WPD and attended the Rhode Island Municipal Police Academy in January of 2024. He is currently assigned to the 11 p.m.-7 a.m. overnight shift.

"We send our best wishes to Patrolman Foley as he embarks on what we hope will be a successful and meaningful career with the Warren Police Department," said Perrault.

Patrolwoman Schoenfeldt
Schoenfeldt, as well, is a RWU graduate with a bachelor's degree in Psychology and minors in Criminal Justice and Public Health.

During her studies there, she was an intern with the WPD, apprenticing in the detective division. She graduated the RIMPA last December and is also assigned to the overnight shift.

"We wish Officer Schoenfeldt a memorable and successful career," Perrault said.