Police Chief Coyle Named Interim Town Manager

The Town Council voted 5-0 to name Police Chief Tom Coyle to serve as interim town manager at its meeting Monday night. 

The chief, who sat in his regular spot below the dais when the meeting began, took the seat on the dais long occupied by Bill Sequino, who served his last day as town manager on Friday, July 6.

Sequino was town manager for more than 25 years. He left to take over as executive director of Rhode Island Clean Water Finance Agency. 

Coyle, who has been with the town police department for 25 years, was named chief in 2011. He will do double-duty as both police chief and town manager, he said. He will use the town manager's office. 

"I'm very appreciative and I look forward to the challenge," said Coyle after the meeting. "Today went by in five minutes. It's going to be long days. It's going to be 10, 12-hour days. But I'm up for the challenge until they can find someone." 

As for whether or not he's interested in the permanent position, Coyle said, "Right now, I'll just take it day by day."

That search for a permanent replacement is ongoing. "Letters of interest" are due by July 19. 

"We're looking into October to hire a new manager," said Town Council President Michael Isaacs. He said applications are beginning to come in.