SCITUATE, R.I. — The Rhode Island State Police announced a wave of internal promotions Friday that will reshape the agency’s command structure as it prepares to recruit a new class of cadets.
Leadership change takes effect in September
Col. Darnell Weaver said Maj. Erik Yanyar, currently the Uniform Bureau commander, will be elevated to the rank of lieutenant colonel. The promotion becomes effective Sept. 1, when Lt. Col. John Allen is scheduled to retire from the position he has held since graduating from the 1997 recruit class.
Yanyar is a graduate of Roger Williams University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a member of the state police recruit class of 2000. His service record includes seven years with the Rhode Island Army National Guard, ten years as a uniformed trooper on patrol, duty as a narcotics K-9 handler in the Division Canine Unit and an assignment to the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) task force while in the Detective Bureau.
Other promotions strengthen command ranks
Weaver also announced a set of promotions to fill senior leadership roles across bureaus. Three captains — Damien Longo, Marc Alboum and Sean McGehearty — will advance to the rank of major. A group of lieutenants will be promoted to captain:
- Lt. Peter Filuminia
- Lt. Mark McGehearty
- Lt. Herbert Tilson
- Lt. Heather Donahue
- Lt. Steven Haynes
- Lt. Melissa Rand
"Every promotion represents years of hard work, leadership and dedication to the people of Rhode Island," Weaver said in a news release.
The promotions reflect both routine succession planning and an effort to ensure continuity in supervision of the Uniform, Detective and Administrative Bureaus, Weaver said. Lt. Col. Allen currently serves as the deputy superintendent of field operations and oversees the day-to-day functions of those units.
Recruitment push — open house this weekend
State Police officials said they are actively recruiting for the next training academy and will host an open house at headquarters from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15. The event is intended for prospective applicants to meet troopers, ask questions about career paths and learn about the application and selection process.
Organizers said the open house will include informational sessions on hiring standards, training expectations and the benefits of a career with the department. Attendees will also be able to explore specialty units and support roles across the agency.
Who is being promoted — at a glance
| Previous Rank | Promoted To | Name |
|---|---|---|
| Major | Lieutenant Colonel | Erik Yanyar |
| Captain | Major | Damien Longo |
| Captain | Major | Marc Alboum |
| Captain | Major | Sean McGehearty |
| Lieutenant | Captain | Peter Filuminia |
| Lieutenant | Captain | Mark McGehearty |
| Lieutenant | Captain | Herbert Tilson |
| Lieutenant | Captain | Heather Donahue |
| Lieutenant | Captain | Steven Haynes |
| Lieutenant | Captain | Melissa Rand |
State Police said the promotional actions are reflective of years of service and leadership development within the department. New commanders will assume responsibilities that touch every region of the state and oversee specialized investigative teams, uniform patrol, and administrative functions.
Why it matters to residents
Leadership transitions at the State Police can influence how patrol resources are allocated, how investigations are prioritized and how community policing initiatives are implemented. The department’s public messaging highlights recruitment alongside promotions to underscore both continuity and opportunity.
The open house Saturday is an immediate opportunity for Rhode Islanders considering law enforcement careers to speak directly with current troopers and staff about qualifications, physical standards, education requirements and the timeline for the next academy class.
Prospective applicants should arrive prepared with identification and questions about the application steps; the State Police website and personnel office can provide formal application instructions, physical fitness standards and background requirements.
As the department reorganizes its leadership ranks, officials say they are committed to maintaining operational stability while fostering internal advancement and community engagement.
