East Greenwich Police Sergeant Killed In Skydiving Accident

EAST GREENWICH, RI — East Greenwich Sgt. Chris Callan is being remember as an "exemplary officer" who will be "sorely missed" after he was killed in a parachuting accident in Connecticut this weekend.

East Greenwich Police Chief Stephen Brown said Callan died while skydiving in Danielson Saturday morning. A 15-year member of the department, he was a second shift supervisor and member of the Rhode Island National Guard.

"Sergeant Callan developed and maintained an extensive network of friends and colleagues worldwide due to his military and police service," Chief Brown said. "Sergeant Callan will be sorely missed."

Callan was a member of the U.S. Army Special Forces Green Berets, served multiple tours overseas and was the "Jump Master" for the RI National Guard's Leapfest competition at the University of Rhode Island.

"The North Kingstown Police Department would like to express our deepest sympathies to the family, friends, and brothers and sisters of the East Greenwich Police Department on the recent horrific accident that took the life East Greenwich Police Sergeant Christopher Callan," North Kingstown police posted in a statement. "Thank you for your service to your community, and to your country. Rest in peace brother, we have your back from here."

Callan is survived by his three children, mother, father and two sisters.

"We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and the East Greenwich community following this terrible tragedy," said Chief Sidney Wordell (Ret.) Executive Director of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs' Association. "Sgt. Callan bravely served his community and county in multiple capacities. He is a hero who will be missed, but his actions and memory will never be forgotten."

"On behalf of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs' Association I wish to convey my most sincere condolences to the family of Sgt. Callan during this extremely difficult time," said Lincoln Police Chief and RI Police Chiefs Association President Brian Sullivan. "Our prayers and support are with the fine men and women of the East Greenwich Police Department as we collectively mourn the loss of Sgt. Callan."

The RI National Guard will announce the funeral arrangements when they are finalized.