Another sendoff for Chief Carey planned by Chan
WOONSOCKET — It seems like the city just can’t find enough ways to say goodbye to retiring Police Chief Thomas Carey.
The latest comes courtesy of renowned restaurateur and jazz promoter John Chan. The proprietor of Chan’s Fine Oriental Dining says Carey will be the guest of honor during a performance of Ricky “King” Russell and the Cadillac Horns on Friday.
Carey and wife Nancy were loyal patrons of Chan’s and the Bostonbased blues band was one of their favorites, according to Chan.
“He’s one of the best police chiefs we’ve had in recent memory,” said Chan. “I think he’s going to be sorely missed.”
A 26-year veteran of the St. Petersburg, Fla., police department, Carey has served as police chief in Woonsocket since September 2008. He announced in late November that he is retiring, effective Feb. 18, to
spend more time with family.
The city already announced that it will have a special program for Carey on Jan. 28 at St. Ann Arts & Cultural Center. The event dovetails with the department’s annual awards ceremony.
The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Committee paid its respects to Carey on Friday night at Savini’s Restaurant. Officially, the occasion was the Rev. James Hinson scholarship banquet, part of a weekend-long series of events commemorating the birthday of the slain civil rights leader.
Carey, who served on numerous boards and commissions, was a member of the MLK Community Committee, joining shortly after he became chief.
Chan says the show is just a gesture of appreciation to Carey as he prepares to bid the city farewell. Carey, he said, was not only a big fan of the blues, but a great ambassador for the city.
Russell is considered one of the finest bluesmen of the day. He has appeared with John Lee Hooker, Roomful of Blues, James Montgomery, Sugar Ray Norcia, Jerry Portnoy and a string of other recording artists.
“This is a nice time for everybody to say farewell and to wish him good luck in his retirement,” said Chan.
The event is open to the public with an admission price of $14. The show begins at 8 p.m.