Will Esserman Return to Head Public Safety Under Elorza?
Kate Nagle, GoLocal Contributor
Will Esserman Return to Head Public Safety Under Elorza?
"I've heard the rumors," said Providence Councilman Michael Correia (D-Ward 6), of the potential for Esserman to be in contention for the Commissioner of Public Safety Commission. "I've also heard Major [Francisco] Colon being talked about for Chief. It's all hearsay until something happens. I'm not sure what [Elorza] has in mind, but he'll be meeting with all of the City Council members for their input within the next week."
"Esserman, Colon...those are two of the names I've been hearing," said former Mayor "Buddy" Cianci, who returned to his radio show on WPRO after being defeated by Elorza on November 4. "Other than that, I don't have the authority to say much more on the subject. I'll reserve any judgement until those decisions are made."
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTCurrent Providence Public Safety Commissioner Steve Pare was appointed by Mayor Angel Taveras in January 2011; Providence Police Chief Hugh Clements was appointed in January 2012.
A Step Backwards
Esserman resigned after a GoLocalPov investigation reported that he hosted an underage drinking party for his daughter's high school graduation party.
"I wouldn't want to see the city take a step backwards. We need to focus on our needs. We need to work to get a full compliment of officers,"said State Representative -- and former interim Mayor -- John Lombardi. "Clements has done a good job."
Essersman, who currently serves as the New Haven, CT Chief of Police, when reached for comment, said, "I have no interest in talking with you."
In 2011, GoLocal reported on a number of disciplinary issues pertaining to Esserman, including a no-confidence vote by the Police Union, before a graduation party at Esserman's East Side home where underage drinking was reported led to his ultimate resignation.
Questions about the management of the Providence Police Department have been on going. An October Special Report unveiled a series of issues in the Department going back to the Cianci Administration and continuing through the Taveras era. Included in this was questions about the new police class and the role of Major Francisco Colon.
Esserman Era
Eight years following his appointment by Cicilline, reports began surfacing that Esserman was in trouble. Following an altercation with an officer in 2011 -- and a no-confidence vote by the police union -- GoLocal's Stephen Beale reported exclusively additional instances of Esserman misconduct by city employees. Esserman tendered his resignation to Mayor Taveras a week following the revelations of the underage drinking on his property.
As GoLocalProv reported in June of 2011:
Providence Police Chief Col. Dean Esserman stood on his front lawn and watched underage drinkers—carrying beer cans and cases of beer—leave his East Side home late Friday evening following a graduation party.
Over the course of two hours, GoLocalProv viewed dozens of young people partying on Esserman’s property (which was decorated with balloons on the front lawn) and on the street near the home—a possible violation of the state’s “social host” law.
Shortly after 11:00 pm, young people were watched fleeing the party, some in vehicles and many on foot. At that point, Chief Esserman, dressed in citizen attire, appeared on the front lawn and watched as droves of young people scrambled to jump in cars or walk away from the party.
“I don’t care who he is,” a member of the group was overheard saying. “I know who you are. You’re the Chief of Police.”
Despite a troubled tenure in Providence, Esserman has received numerous awards for his community policing tactics -- tactics which were at the key of both Brett Smiley's public safety plan, who is a key advisor to Elorza and may have a role in the Elorza administration. Elorza's own "Safety Through Community Plan" has many tenets that are similar to Esserman's strategies.
The Elorza camp refused to answer directly if they were considering Esserman.
"Mayor-elect Elorza was excited to announce that such respected community leaders would be chairing his transition team," said campaign and transition communications director Marisa O'Gara. "In the days and weeks to come, he and his team are looking forward to sharing more news engaging people from every corner of the city in the transition."
Making Moves?
"I think with the new mayor, those rumors will fly," said Kevin Jackson (D-Ward 3) who said he had "heard the same rumors."
"We just put through the most diverse class in the history of the force. I think keeping it steady would be my recommendation, not that [Elorza's] reached out to me," said Jackson. "I think right now, under the leadership of Hugh Clement, I'd like to see him return as Chief of Police. There's a feeling that Pare's doing a good job as well."
City Employees with the Highest Salaries
#40 Alyssa B. Deandrade
Department: Police
Position: Police Lieutenant
Total Compensation: $146,690.77
Pay
Base: $77,210.61
Longevity: $7,393.16
Overtime: $22,337.05
Detail: $24,533.14
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $4,219.62
Dental: $421.72
Pension: $10,575.47
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#39 Arianne Lynch
Department: Mayor's Staff
Position: (Former) Deputy Chief Of Staff
Total Compensation: $147,159.76
Pay
Base: $127,507.25
Longevity: $0.00
Overtime: $0.00
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $12,534.60
Dental: $1,380.08
Pension: $5,737.83
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#38 Clarence A. Cunha
Department: Fire
Position: Acting Deputy Assistant Chief
Total Compensation: $147,372.06
Pay
Base: $91,807.36
Longevity: $7,949.52
Overtime: $18,839.30
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $12,686.83
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#37 Kristopher S. Wright
Department: Fire
Position: Firefighter
Total Compensation: $147,585.09
Pay
Base: $58,663.74
Longevity: $4,447.53
Overtime: $48,507.28
Detail: $11,848.81
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $8,028.67
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#36 Thomas M. Miller
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Rescue Lieutenant
Total Compensation: $147,951.99
Pay
Base: $64,547.59
Longevity: $6,476.44
Overtime: $51,832.96
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $9,005.94
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#35 Daniel Crowley
Department: Fire
Position: Deputy Assistant Fire Chief
Total Compensation: $148,230.56
Pay
Base: $93,692.88
Longevity: $9,855.21
Overtime: $17,904.62
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $12,534.6
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $12,943.51
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#34 Alan N. Lippacher
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Rescue Lieutenant
Total Compensation: $148,783.985
Pay
Base: $63,829.18
Longevity: $6,602.73
Overtime: $53,326.52
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $8,936.495
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#33 David A. Soscia
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Battalion Chief
Total Compensation: $149,017.14
Pay
Base: $86,012.90
Longevity: $7,577.69
Overtime: $27,426.18
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $11,911.31
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#32 Michael Krasnowiecki
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Captain
Total Compensation: $149,110.485
Pay
Base: $68,849.54
Longevity: $6,762.06
Overtime: $47,784.88
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $9,624.945
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#31 Thomas E. Crowley
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Captain
Total Compensation: $149,965.63
Pay
Base: $69,535.07
Longevity: $7,177.86
Overtime: $47,429.98
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $9,733.66
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#30 John P. Morgan
Department: Fire
Position: Firefighter
Total Compensation: $150,207.15
Pay
Base: $58,102.50
Longevity: $6,116.69
Overtime: $57,905.69
Detail: $3,847.12
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $8,146.09
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#29 Timothy S. Printer
Department: Fire
Position: Firefighter
Total Compensation: $150,731.68
Pay
Base: $58,369.52
Longevity: $6,115.36
Overtime: $61,938.32
Detail: $3,847.12
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $8,219.42
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#28 Adam Chuman
Department: Fire
Position: Firefighter
Total Compensation: $151,066.51
Pay
Base: $58,490.27
Longevity: $0.00
Overtime: $61,915.02
Detail: $7,149.18
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $7,422.98
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#27 Michael E. Correia
Department: Police
Position: Police Captain
Total Compensation: $151,421.89
Pay
Base: $81,206.12
Longevity: $8,538.4
Overtime: $36,811.50
Detail: $1,264.85
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $11,083.47
Dental: $1,299.48
Pension: $11,218.06
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#26 Stephany Blackwell
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Rescue Technician
Total Compensation: $154,001.24
Pay
Base: $61,045
Longevity: $4,086.68
Overtime: $64,492.87
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $8,287.63
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#25 David J. Duggan
Department: Fire
Position: Firefighter
Total Compensation: $154,416.91
Pay
Base: $59,196.60
Longevity: $5,559.42
Overtime: $55,445.58
Detail: $9,910.95
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $8,215.30
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#24 Joseph R. Desmarais
Department: Fire
Position: Deputy Assistant Fire Chief
Total Compensation: $154,544.52
Pay
Base: $91,623.12
Longevity: $9,079.63
Overtime: $27,402.94
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $12,534.60
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $12,604.49
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#23 William R. Kenyon
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Battalion Chief
Total Compensation: $154,611.78
Pay
Base: $83,959.36
Longevity: $7,290.02
Overtime: $35,718.41
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $11,554.93
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#22 Bryan D. Hawkins
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Rescue Captain
Total Compensation: $155,608.63
Pay
Base: $69,542.14
Longevity: $6,601.81
Overtime: $41,215.01
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $27,303.36
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $9,646.56
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#21 Steven Pare
Department: Administration
Position: Public Safety Commmissioner
Total Compensation: $156,147.90
Pay
Base: $149,423.83
Longevity: $0.00
Overtime: $0.00
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: N/A
Dental: N/A
Pension: $6,724.07
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#20 Eric E. Fallon
Department: Fire
Position: Firefighter
Total Compensation: $156,404.55
Pay
Base: $55,236.24
Longevity: $5,829.36
Overtime: $63,076.02
Detail: $8,430.13
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $7,743.74
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#19 Brian R. Chin
Department: Fire
Position: Firefighter
Total Compensation: $157,360.51
Pay
Base: $58,983.30
Longevity: $0.00
Overtime: $84,865.12
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $5,618.60
Dental: $421.46
Pension: $7,472.03
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#18 Carl H. Richards
Department: Fire
Position: Firefighter
Total Compensation: $157,878.05
Pay
Base: $57,446.04
Longevity: $6,115.36
Overtime: $64,351.37
Detail: $5,808.93
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $8,067.295
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#17 Fausto G. Garcia
Department: Police
Position: Police Officer
Total Compensation: $158,048.96
Pay
Base: $57,220.64
Longevity: $5,477.53
Overtime: $4,296.80
Detail: $70,833.77
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $11,083.47
Dental: $1,299.48
Pension: $7,837.27
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#16 Thomas L. Cassin
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Captain
Total Compensation: $158,104.17
Pay
Base: $68,755.40
Longevity: $7,305.32
Overtime: $56,308.60
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $9,645.80
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
Photo: Flick/401(K)2013
#15 Thomas F. Oates, III
Department: Police
Position: Deputy Police Chief
Total Compensation: $158,736.47
Pay
Base: $116,423.81
Longevity: $12,378.08
Overtime: $0.00
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $12,534.60
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $16,100.24
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#14 Michael L. Pearis
Department: Finance Administration
Position: Director of Finance
Total Compensation: $159,370.71
Pay
Base: $139,192.37
Longevity: $0.00
Overtime: $0.00
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $12,534.60
Dental: $1,380.08
Pension: $6,263.66
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#13 Peter A. Tagliaferri
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Rescue Lieutenant
Total Compensation: $159,656.86
Pay
Base: $63,350.24
Longevity: $4,877.01
Overtime: $66,683.79
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $8,656.76
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#12 Michael A. Legault
Department: Fire
Position: Firefighter
Total Compensation: $159,740.28
Pay
Base: $57,446.04
Longevity: $6,115.36
Overtime: $72,016.89
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $8,072.93
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#11 Gregory D. Paolo
Department: Police
Position: Police Sergeant
Total Compensation: $160,715.32
Pay
Base: $70,277.64
Longevity: $6,818.24
Overtime: $30,025.64
Detail: $31,573.87
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $11,083.47
Dental: $1,299.48
Pension: $9,636.985
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#10 Andre' M. Ferro
Department: Fire
Position: Firefighter
Total Compensation: $162,109.81
Pay
Base: $58,333.41
Longevity: $6,251.76
Overtime: $61,589.16
Detail: $11,668.47
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1299.74
Pension: $8,177.95
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#9 James P. Mirza
Department: Fire
Position: Deputy Assistant Fire Chief
Total Compensation: $164,737.13
Pay
Base: $91,623.12
Longevity: $9,722.85
Overtime: $36,888.57
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $12,534.60
Dental: $1299.74
Pension: $12,668.24
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
Photo: Flickr/Tax Credits
#8 J. J. Varone
Department: Fire
Position: Acting Fire Battalion Chief
Total Compensation: $165,600.53
Pay
Base: $84,914.32
Longevity: $7,290.02
Overtime: $45,628.29
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1299.74
Pension: $11,678.85
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#7 James S. Bennett
Department: Planning & Development
Position: Director of Economic Development
Total Compensation: $170,061.83
Pay
Base: $149,423.11
Longevity: $0.00
Overtime: $0.00
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $12,534.60
Dental: $1,380.08
Pension: $6,724.04
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#6 Zachariah Kenyon
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Rescue Lieutenant
Total Compensation: $172,514.51
Pay
Base: $63,589.71
Longevity: $4,877.01
Overtime: $79,272.01
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $8,686.72
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
Photo: Flickr/401(K) 2013
#5 Boyce Spinelli
Department: Water Supply Board
Position: General Manager, WSB
Total Compensation: $177,418.15
Pay
Base: $150,392.56
Longevity: $9,299.47
Overtime: $0.00
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $9,159.90
Dental: $1,380.08
Pension: $7,186.14
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#4 Hugh T. Clements, Jr.
Department: Police
Position: Police Chief
Total Compensation: $180,872.02
Pay
Base: $134,397.90
Longevity: $14,080.04
Overtime: $0.00
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $12,534.60
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $18,559.74
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#3 Luis F. Sanlucas
Department: Police
Position: Police Lieutenant
Total Compensation: $190,234.68
Pay
Base: $77,210.61
Longevity: $8,148.40
Overtime: $9,003.18
Detail: $72,819.67
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $11,083.47
Dental: $1,299.48
Pension: $10,669.88
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#2 Michael D'Amico
Department: Mayor Staff
Position: Director of Administration
Total Compensation: $196,086.60
Pay
Base: $174,327.20
Longevity: $0.00
Overtime: $0.00
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $12,534.60
Dental: $1,380.08
Pension: $7,844.724
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
#1 Vincent J. D'Ambra
Department: Fire
Position: Fire Rescue Captain
Total Compensation: $218,145.27
Pay
Base: $68,762.44
Longevity: $7,290.03
Overtime: $116,356.94
Detail: $0.00
Benefits (City Contributions)
Medical: $14,789.32
Dental: $1,299.74
Pension: $9,646.80
Note on Detail Pay: Details are normally funded by the private parties that require it. But some detail pay is funded directly by the city. Payroll data provided by the city Law Department does not distinguish between the two.
